Mohana Singh: First female pilot to fly Tejas fighter plane

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