Meet Astha Poonia, Indian Navy's first woman fighter pilot

Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia has officially become the Indian Navy's first woman fighter pilot, a landmark achievement announced by the Navy on Friday. Poonia successfully completed the rigorous 'Basic Hawk Conversion Course' at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam, marking a significant stride towards gender inclusivity in the armed forces.

The Indian Navy confirmed the milestone, stating, "On 3 July 2025, Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull and Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia received the prestigious 'Wings of Gold' from Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, ACNS (Air)."

The Navy further emphasized Poonia's pioneering role, adding, "Sub Lt Aastha Poonia becomes the first woman... in the fighter stream of naval aviation, shattering barriers and paving the way for a new era of women fighter pilots in the navy."

While the Indian Navy had previously integrated women officers as pilots in maritime reconnaissance aircraft and other officer roles, Poonia's entry into the fighter stream represents a groundbreaking development.

A Navy spokesperson, quoted by media outlets, said, "Streaming of Sub Lt Aastha Poonia into the Fighter Stream highlights the Indian Navy's commitment towards gender inclusivity in Naval Aviation and promoting 'Nari Shakti,' fostering a culture of equality and opportunity."

Reports suggest that Sub Lieutenant Poonia is now likely to fly advanced aircraft such as the MiG-29K or the naval version of the Rafale fighter jet.

This historic achievement comes amid a broader push for increased female participation in the Indian armed forces. There has been a notable surge in female officer recruitment since 2020, with a reported 15 percent increase in women joining combat and technical branches.

The 'Nari Shakti' initiative has been a key driver in training numerous women officers in recent years.