Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, India’s only woman Rafale fighter pilot, is once again making history — this time with her eyes set on space. A trailblazer in the Indian Air Force (IAF), Singh is emblematic of the evolving role of women in India’s armed forces, and now aspires to become the country’s next woman astronaut.
The 29-year-old officer, born in Varanasi, first dreamt of flying when she visited the Indian Air Force Museum in New Delhi as a child. “This is where my adventure began,” she recalled in an interview with AFP. “I gawked at the planes and immediately knew I wanted to become a pilot.”
Commissioned as a fighter pilot after women were first inducted into combat roles in 2015, Singh rose to prominence as the first Indian woman to fly the French-origin Rafale fighter jet, a symbol of India’s modern air power. She was among the early officers selected in 2020 for simulator training under French instructors before taking command of the single-seat Rafale, known for its advanced avionics and agility.
Her journey, however, extends far beyond the clouds. With India preparing for its maiden manned space mission, Singh has now set her goal on becoming an astronaut. “I have applied for test pilot training,” she said. “I want to be an astronaut. So let’s hope.”
Singh, who is married to a fellow IAF fighter pilot, credits her success to family support, particularly from her mother who encouraged independence and excellence. Her determination and achievements have opened doors for women in a domain once considered exclusively male.
India currently boasts over 1,600 women officers in the IAF, including a growing number of pilots. Globally, India also holds the highest proportion of women among commercial airline pilots, with around 14% representation.
Shivangi Singh’s story is one of inspiration, courage, and limitless ambition. From flying MiG-21s to commanding Rafales, and now dreaming of space, she exemplifies a new era for Indian women in uniform. “If I succeeded in a field long reserved for men, then women can now work in any sector,” she said.
Her journey continues — this time toward the stars.
