Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia has etched her name in Indian military history by becoming the first woman to be trained as a fighter pilot in the Indian Navy. This trailblazing achievement not only marks a milestone in gender integration within the Indian Armed Forces, but also symbolizes a bold step towards a more inclusive combat force. Her induction into the Navy’s elite fighter stream has been widely hailed by the defence establishment and the public alike.
Who is Sub Lt Aastha Poonia?
Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia is in her early 20s and hails from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. What makes her journey particularly inspiring is that she does not come from a military background—a testament to her determination and dedication to serve the nation in a combat role.
She completed her Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree before joining the Indian Navy through the Short Service Commission (SSC) route. Her academic foundation laid the groundwork for a technically demanding career in naval aviation.
Aastha Poonia began her military journey at the prestigious Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala, Kerala. Following this, she underwent basic flying training at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, where she trained on the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II aircraft—a standard trainer for beginner military aviators.
After completing her basic training, she progressed to advanced flying on the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam. She was part of the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course, a crucial phase that prepared her for the demanding role of a fighter pilot.
Wings of Gold and Fighter Induction
On July 3, 2025, Sub Lt Poonia was formally awarded the “Wings of Gold”, a prestigious symbol of her graduation as a qualified naval aviator. The honour was presented by Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air), during a ceremonial event at INS Dega.
Following this, she will undergo further advanced training on the Hawk AJT, and is slated to qualify to fly the MiG-29K — India’s frontline carrier-based fighter jet, deployed from aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
Why Her Achievement Matters
Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia has created history by becoming the first woman in the Indian Navy to be streamed into the fighter aircraft branch. Until now, the Navy had limited women officers to roles in maritime reconnaissance missions, helicopter operations, and transport aviation. With this development, the Indian Navy has taken a significant step toward integrating women into frontline combat roles.
This breakthrough builds upon previous milestones achieved by women in naval aviation. In 2019, Lt Shivangi Singh became the first woman pilot in the Indian Navy, although her role was limited to non-fighter operations. Aastha Poonia’s induction marks the beginning of a new chapter—where women are not only part of naval aviation but are being prepared for the challenges of high-speed aerial combat and carrier-based fighter operations.
Her achievement also mirrors the progress seen in the Indian Air Force, which opened its fighter stream to women in 2016. Officers like Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth, and Mohana Singh have since flown frontline fighter jets, proving the capabilities of women in high-pressure combat roles. Poonia’s journey adds the Indian Navy to that list of services now embracing women in their most elite fighting units.
Official Recognition and Public Reaction
“Sub Lt Aastha Poonia becomes the first woman to be streamed into the fighter stream of naval aviation—shattering barriers and paving the way for a new era of women fighter pilots in the Navy.”
Her feat generated massive engagement on social media. The Navy’s post on X (formerly Twitter), featuring the hashtag #NariShakti, went viral, with thousands hailing her as a role model. Defence experts and veterans praised the move as a progressive leap for India’s armed forces.
A Symbol of ‘Nari Shakti’ and Naval Modernization
Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia’s induction into the fighter stream of the Indian Navy is not just a personal triumph but a significant step aligned with several key national initiatives. Her achievement exemplifies the spirit of Nari Shakti, showcasing the growing strength and visibility of women in India’s defence forces. By taking on a combat role traditionally dominated by men, she reinforces the message that women are equally capable of serving on the frontlines.
This milestone also resonates with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, as it reflects India’s efforts to harness its full human resource potential, promote inclusive growth, and build a more self-reliant defence structure. Empowering women in combat roles is a vital aspect of developing a robust and diverse armed forces ecosystem.
Furthermore, her induction aligns with the goals of Maritime India Vision 2030, which aims to establish India as a global maritime leader. As the Navy modernizes and expands its capabilities, integrating women into core operational roles is a forward-looking move that enhances both combat readiness and institutional credibility. Aastha Poonia’s success could serve as a catalyst for broader reforms, paving the way for more women to take on combat responsibilities in the Navy.
What Lies Ahead?
Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia will now undergo a year-long advanced fighter training course, which will further sharpen her skills and prepare her for operational deployment. Upon successful completion and certification, she is likely to be assigned to a MiG-29K squadron—India’s premier carrier-based fighter platform. This could see her operating from frontline assets like the INS Vikrant or other key naval air stations, becoming an active part of India’s expanding maritime air power. Her trailblazing achievement is expected to inspire many more women to follow in her footsteps, opening the door for greater female representation in combat aviation and accelerating the Indian Navy’s journey toward gender parity in its fighting forces.
Conclusion
Sub Lt Aastha Poonia’s historic feat as the first female fighter pilot of the Indian Navy is more than a personal triumph—it’s a national moment of pride. Her journey from a BTech graduate to a combat aviator is a powerful symbol of transformation in India’s military landscape. As she dons the Wings of Gold and prepares to take the skies in a MiG-29K, she sends a clear message: the sky is no longer the limit for Indian women in uniform.
