Aastha Poonia Becomes Navy’s First Woman Fighter Pilot

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.