Squadron Leader Mohana Singh Jitarwal has carved her name into the annals of Indian aviation history by becoming the first woman fighter pilot to fly the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Her achievement marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards gender equality in the armed forces and underscores the growing opportunities for women in roles traditionally dominated by men.
A Pioneer in the Sky
Mohana Singh is one of the first three women inducted as fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force (IAF) in June 2016, alongside Bhawana Kanth and Avani Chaturvedi. This historic move followed the Indian government’s decision to open the fighter stream to women on an experimental basis, a groundbreaking initiative in a military domain where women had previously been restricted to non-combat roles. The trio was formally commissioned by then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, marking a new era for women in the IAF.
Singh’s rise to prominence has been a steady climb, marked by dedication, rigorous training, and an unyielding resolve to break barriers.
Early Life and Education
Born into a family deeply rooted in the Indian Air Force, Mohana Singh’s career path seemed destined from an early age. She completed her schooling at The Air Force School in New Delhi, an institution known for nurturing future leaders. She later pursued a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Electronics & Communication from the Global Institute of Management and Emerging Technologies, Amritsar, Punjab.
Her father, Master Warrant Officer Pratap Singh, served in the IAF, and her mother, Manju Singh, is a teacher. This military upbringing instilled in Mohana a deep respect for the armed forces and nurtured her passion for aviation. Her interests outside of academics included sports like roller skating and badminton, along with creative pursuits such as singing and painting.
Career Highlights
Mohana Singh’s career in the IAF began with rigorous training and multiple flying hours that set her apart. In June 2019, she achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first woman fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force to be fully operational by day on a Hawk Mk.132 advanced jet trainer. She completed over 380 hours of incident-free flying, gaining expertise in both Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground combat scenarios.
Initially, she served with the No. 3 Squadron, Cobras, flying the MiG-21 Bison at the Nal Air Force Station in Bikaner. Her experience with the MiG-21s provided her with a strong foundation in fighter jet operations, and her skills quickly earned her a place in the prestigious Tejas squadron.
Squadron Leader Mohana Singh’s recent posting to the LCA Tejas squadron at the Naliya airbase in Gujarat is a testament to her capabilities as a pilot. Naliya, strategically located near the Pakistan border, is a critical defense post, and Singh’s presence in the squadron highlights the trust the IAF places in her skills.
Awards and Recognition
In recognition of her outstanding contributions and trailblazing role in the armed forces, Squadron Leader Mohana Singh was awarded the Nari Shakti Puraskar, India’s highest civilian award for women, on 9th March 2020. The award, presented by President Ram Nath Kovind, honors women who have made extraordinary strides in their respective fields.
The First Woman to Fly the LCA Tejas
Mohana Singh’s crowning achievement came when she became the first woman fighter pilot to fly the LCA Tejas. The Tejas, a single-engine multirole fighter aircraft, is a symbol of India’s self-reliance in defense technology. It’s a high-performance, lightweight aircraft designed for both offensive and defensive roles in combat. Mohana Singh’s proficiency in flying the Tejas underscores her capability to handle complex, high-stakes missions in the nation’s defense.
Breaking Barriers, Shattering Stereotypes
Singh’s journey is a story of perseverance, courage, and breaking barriers. As a member of the elite 18 ‘Flying Bullets’ squadron, she continues to inspire a new generation of women to pursue careers in fields once deemed unattainable. Her success serves as a powerful reminder that women can excel in any profession, even in the most challenging environments.
While Mohana Singh continues to soar, her fellow pioneers, Bhawana Kanth and Avani Chaturvedi, are also leading from the front, commanding Su-30 MKI fighter jets near India’s western desert, further demonstrating that the future of India’s air defense is in capable hands—irrespective of gender.
As the Indian Air Force continues to evolve and expand its capabilities, Squadron Leader Mohana Singh’s achievements highlight the critical role that women will play in safeguarding the nation’s skies.
