Mohana Singh Makes History as India's First Woman Fighter Pilot to Fly LCA Tejas
In a landmark achievement for gender equality in India's armed forces, Squadron Leader Mohana Singh has become the first woman fighter pilot to fly the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. This milestone not only highlights Singh's exceptional skills but also underscores the growing role of women in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
A member of the pioneering women's fighter stream, Singh previously flew the MiG-21 and currently serves with the "Flying Bullets" squadron at Nalia Air Base in Gujarat. She hails from a military family in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, and became the first woman to fly a Hawk aircraft during daylight in 2019. Her contributions to Indian aviation were honored with the Nari Shakti Award in 2020.
Singh’s military lineage is deep, with her grandfather serving as a flight gunner at the Aviation Research Center (ARC), and her father, a warrant officer in the IAF. Her career is a testament to the changing dynamics of India's armed forces, where women are increasingly taking on critical roles traditionally dominated by men. Singh’s journey serves as an inspiration to young women across the country, encouraging them to break barriers and pursue their dreams.
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