In a historic first for Indian defence forces, Sub-Lieutenant Astha Punia has become the first woman to be trained to fly fighter jets in the Indian Navy. A native of Uttar Pradesh, Astha has earned her place among the elite ranks of naval aviators, breaking barriers and paving the way for greater gender inclusivity in Indian naval aviation.
The Indian Navy made the announcement with pride, sharing a photograph of Sub Lt Punia receiving the coveted ‘Wings of Gold’ from her superior, Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhul. Describing the moment as “a new chapter in the history of Naval Aviation,” the Navy hailed her induction into the fighter stream as a milestone in its efforts to promote ‘Nari Shakti’ (women power) and foster a culture of equal opportunity.
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With this achievement, Sub Lt Punia is now qualified to fly the formidable MiG-29K, the naval variant of the MiG-29 fighter jet, as well as the naval version of the French-made Rafale aircraft. These jets operate from India’s two aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, projecting India’s maritime power across the Indo-Pacific.
The MiG-29K is currently the primary fighter aircraft deployed on INS Vikramaditya, while the newly commissioned indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant is being prepared for full operational capability. In April 2024, India and France signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets, 22 single-seaters and four twin-seaters, for the Indian Navy. These jets will serve as an interim solution as India develops its indigenous Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), which is under development by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The Navy highlighted that it has already inducted women officers as pilots and air operations officers in roles involving maritime reconnaissance aircraft and helicopters. However, Astha’s selection for the fighter stream marks the first time a woman will operate carrier-based fighter aircraft, a role demanding exceptional skill and physical endurance.
Sub Lt Punia’s achievement reflects the Navy’s evolving commitment to gender equality, and underscores the Indian armed forces’ broader movement towards greater inclusion and representation of women in combat and strategic roles.
