Aastha Poonia Becomes Navy’s First Woman Fighter Pilot

• 05 Jul 2025

On 3rd July 2025, Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia made history by becoming the first woman fighter pilot in the Indian Navy, marking a major step forward for gender equality in the armed forces.

• Sub Lt Aastha Poonia was awarded the prestigious ‘Wings of Gold’ during the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course graduation ceremony held at INS Dega in Visakhapatnam.
• The honour was conferred by Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air), in a ceremony that underscored the Indian Navy’s evolving vision for gender inclusivity.
• Poonia’s induction into the Fighter Stream marks a significant departure from tradition, as this elite stream has long been an all-male domain within Indian Naval Aviation.
• The Indian Navy described her achievement as “a new chapter in Naval aviation”, applauding her for breaking barriers and inspiring future generations of women in uniform.