Mohana Singh: First female pilot to fly Tejas fighter plane

Mohana Singh, a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF), is a trailblazer in gender inclusivity. Born into a family with aviation expertise, Singh joined the IAF in 2016 as one of the first women inducted as a fighter pilot.

Family Legacy and Early Career

Mohana Singh comes from a family with a strong aviation background:
- Grandfather: Flight gunner with the Aviation Research Centre (ARC)
- Father: Warrant officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF)
In 2016, Singh made history as one of the first women inducted into the IAF as a fighter pilot
- Joined alongside Bhawna Kanth and Avni Chaturvedi
- Marked a significant moment in Indian aviation history
Prior to 2016, women in the IAF were limited to roles as helicopter and transport aircraft pilots

Achievements and Recognition

2019: Became the first woman in the IAF to fly a "Hawk" aircraft during daylight hours
2020: Received the Naari Shakti Award along with two other Flight Lieutenants
- Recognized by Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria and Mrs. Asha Bhadauria
Transitioned from flying MiG-21 aircraft to the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)
Currently stationed at the LCA squadron at Naliya Air Base in Gujarat
First female fighter pilot to join the elite 18 "Flying Bullets" squadron
Participated in the historic "Tarang Shakti" exercise near Jodhpur

Contribution to India's Indigenous Capabilities

Singh's role in the LCA squadron contributes to India's efforts to enhance indigenous aviation capabilities
The LCA is a crucial part of reducing dependence on foreign aircraft
Participated in the 'Tarang Shakti' exercise, which highlighted India's "Make in India" initiative
The exercise featured a historic flight by three vice chiefs of the armed forces:
- Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh flew solo in the LCA Tejas
- Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani and Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan flew trainer variants
Mohana Singh's involvement in flying India's own LCA Tejas fighter plane underscores the progress of indigenous aircraft development

Impact on Gender Inclusivity in the IAF

Singh's achievements, along with those of Kanth and Chaturvedi, represent a major shift towards gender inclusivity in the Indian military
Their success reflects changing societal attitudes towards women in combat roles
Showcases progress of women in traditionally male-dominated fields
As of the latest information, the IAF employs about 20 female fighter pilots
Women have been operating helicopters and transport aircraft in the IAF since 1991
Fighter jet cockpits were opened to women in 2016

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