First Batch of Women Pilots Operationalized by Indian Navy

The Indian Navy has operationalised the first batch of women pilots for Maritime Reconnaissance (MR) missions on Dornier aircraft at Kochi, Kerala on October 20, 2020. This step has been performed by the Southern Naval Command of Indian Navy. Indian Navy has always been a fascination for many, the smartness in the dress, the color of serving the nation is a pride that no one wants to stay away from.

Before 1992, in Indian Navy, women officers were inducted only in the medical stream through the Armed Forces Medical Service. From July 1992, induction of women began in Indian Navy, starting through a special entry scheme and thereafter through the Short Service Commission, only in the Indian Navy’s select branches. 

The growth and changes over the years have shown how beautiful a career in Indian Navy can women have. If you have dreamed yourself in Indian Navy, it’s time to live your dreams. If you are unsure, get into a career counselling session. Even, the First Batch of Women Pilots Operationalized by Indian Navy can boost up your confidence to be a part of the Navy.

Three Women Pilots

• The first batch of women pilot operationalized by the Indian Navy includes Lieutenant Shivangi, Lieutenant Divya Sharma, and Lieutenant Shubhangi Swaroop.
• Prior to the 27th Dornier Operational Flying Training (DOFT) course, they underwent training partly with Indian Navy and partly with the Indian Air Force.
• They were part of six pilots who underwent the 27th DOFT course. After completion of the course, the three women graduated as fully operational MR Pilots on October 22, 2020, at a ceremony at INS Garuda.
• Lt Shubhangi Swaroop hails from Tilhar, Uttar Pradesh, Lt Shivangi from Muzaffarpur, Bihar and Lt Divya Sharma from Malviya Nagar, New Delhi.

About Dornier Aircraft

• Dornier Aircraft is lightweight, fuel-efficient, multi-purpose aircraft.
• The aircraft was designed and manufactured in Germany till 1998, and since this year India bought 245 aircrafts.
• Later the manufacturing of Dornier aircraft was started by
  Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Kanpur, India.

Women in Indian Defence

• There are over 3,5000 women serving in the Indian military.
• The women were restricted from being deployed in the combat role until 2015. For the first time in the history of India, women were recruited into Indian Air Force in 2015.

Wrapping Up

Indian women were inducted in the Defence sector for the first time in 1992. Since then there is no looking back, now they are allowed in serving in the Short Service Commission as officers and in combat among others. The first batch of women pilots for Maritime Reconnaissance (MR) missions is an inspiration to all the women seeking a career in Indian Navy.