In the annals of Indian aviation history, few stories blend personal triumph, national service, and technological transition as seamlessly as that of Squadron Leader Priya Sharma. As the Indian Air Force (IAF) bids adieu to its legendary MiG-21 fighter jet often dubbed the “national warhorse” Sharma emerges as a central figure in this poignant farewell. Her journey from a wide-eyed child in Rajasthan to a trailblazing pilot commanding the skies encapsulates the evolving role of women in India’s defence forces. This article delves deeply into Sharma’s life, her career milestones, and her symbolic role in the MiG-21’s final salute, while also exploring the broader context of the aircraft’s storied legacy and the IAF’s modernization efforts.
Roots in Rajasthan: Early Life and Family Influence
Squadron Leader Priya Sharma was born and raised in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, a region renowned for producing valiant soldiers and officers for India’s armed forces. Jhunjhunu’s legacy of military service is well-documented, with the district contributing thousands to the defence sector over the decades. Sharma herself became the third woman fighter pilot from this area, following in the footsteps of predecessors who broke barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Her father, a serving member of the IAF, played a pivotal role in shaping her aspirations. During his posting at Bidar Air Force Station in Karnataka, young Priya would often watch Jaguar and Hawk aircraft streak across the sky. These mesmerizing sights ignited a passion for aviation that would define her future. “Watching Jaguar and Hawk aircraft fly since childhood inspired me to become a fighter pilot,” Sharma has been quoted as saying, reflecting on how these early experiences fueled her determination. This familial connection to the IAF not only provided her with insider insights into military life but also instilled a sense of discipline and patriotism from an early age. While details about her mother or siblings remain private, it’s clear that her upbringing in a defence-oriented household emphasized resilience, precision, and service to the nation.
Academic Foundations: From Engineering to the Skies
Squadron Leader Priya Sharma’s educational journey laid a strong technical foundation for her military career. She pursued a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree from the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Kota, Rajasthan. This engineering background equipped her with analytical skills crucial for mastering complex aircraft systems and avionics. Her choice of IIIT-Kota, a premier institution focused on information technology and engineering, highlights her early inclination toward STEM fields, which are increasingly vital in modern warfare.
Upon completing her degree, Sharma set her sights on the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad a rigorous training ground for India’s future aviators. She enrolled in the fighter stream, a demanding path that tests physical endurance, mental acuity, and tactical prowess. In 2018, she graduated as the sole woman in her batch of fighter pilots, a testament to her exceptional abilities in a competitive environment. The commissioning ceremony was a landmark moment: she received her graduation certificate from then-Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, who commended her dedication. This event not only marked her entry as a Flying Officer but also positioned her as India’s seventh woman fighter pilot overall, a milestone that underscored the gradual but steady progress toward gender equality in the IAF’s combat branches.
Forging a Path in the IAF: Career Progression and Training
Squadron Leader Priya Sharma’s post-commissioning journey began at Hakimpet Air Force Station in Hyderabad, where she underwent initial operational training on basic fighter aircraft. This phase honed her skills in aerial maneuvers, navigation, and combat tactics. She then advanced to Bidar Air Force Station in Karnataka for Stage 2 and Stage 3 training, which involved more sophisticated simulations and live flights. These stages are critical for transitioning pilots from trainers to frontline fighters, emphasizing high-speed decision-making and precision under pressure.
Over the years, Sharma has accumulated extensive flying hours, building expertise on various platforms. Her assignment to the MiG-21 squadron represented a dream come true; as early as her 2018 commissioning, she expressed a specific desire to pilot this iconic jet. The MiG-21, with its supersonic capabilities and agile design, demanded exceptional skill qualities Sharma demonstrated repeatedly. Her career trajectory also includes preparations for transitioning to next-generation aircraft, such as the Russian-origin Su-30MKI and the French Rafale, reflecting the IAF’s shift toward multi-role fighters equipped with advanced radar, weaponry, and electronic warfare systems.
| Career Milestone | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| B.Tech Graduation from IIIT-Kota | Pre-2018 | Acquired engineering foundation in technology and systems analysis. |
| Graduation from Air Force Academy, Dundigal | 2018 | Commissioned as Flying Officer; only woman in fighter pilot batch; certificate from Gen Bipin Rawat. |
| Initial Posting at Hakimpet AFS, Hyderabad | 2018-2019 | Basic operational training on fighter aircraft. |
| Advanced Training at Bidar AFS, Karnataka | 2019 onward | Completed Stage 2 and 3 fighter training, focusing on combat tactics. |
| Commissioned as 7th Woman Fighter Pilot | December 2018 | Became India’s seventh female fighter pilot and third from Jhunjhunu. |
| MiG-21 Farewell Sorties with IAF Chief | August 2025 | Led formation flight with Air Chief Marshal AP Singh at Nal AFS, Bikaner. |
| Final MiG-21 Flypast Participation | September 26, 2025 | Part of ceremonial retirement event in Chandigarh, including rehearsal. |
This timeline illustrates Sharma’s steady ascent, from academic preparation to high-stakes operational roles, showcasing her as a role model for aspiring female aviators.
The MiG-21’s Final Salute: Sharma’s Historic Role
The MiG-21, introduced to the IAF in 1963, has been a cornerstone of India’s aerial defence for over six decades. Nicknamed the “Sword of the Skies,” it played crucial roles in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars, the 1999 Kargil conflict, and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. Its retirement marks the end of an era, with the last operational squadron No. 23 “Panthers” based in Chandigarh, the very site of its initial induction under Wing Commander Dilbagh Singh, who later became IAF Chief.
Sharma’s involvement in the MiG-21’s farewell began in August 2025 at Nal Air Force Station in Bikaner, where she flew in formation with Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh (call sign ‘Badal 3’) during emotional send-off sorties. This event symbolized the generational handover, with Sharma representing the new wave of pilots stepping into a modernized IAF. On September 26, 2025, the official retirement ceremony unfolded in Chandigarh, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and senior officers. The program commenced with the Akash Ganga skydiving team’s jumps from 8,000 feet, followed by a majestic flypast featuring MiG-21s in the three-aircraft ‘Badal’ formation and the four-aircraft ‘Panther’ formation. Sharma, among the pilots, participated in the full dress rehearsal earlier in the week and was part of the final flight, culminating in a water cannon salute for the six Bison variants upon landing. The ceremony also included aerobatic displays by the Surya Kiran team and the release of a commemorative postal stamp, honoring the jet’s “six decades of service, countless tales of courage.”
Sharma’s presence in these events is more than ceremonial; it underscores the IAF’s progress in integrating women into combat roles since the first female fighter pilots were inducted in 2016. As the last woman to fly the MiG-21 operationally, she bridges the old and new, embodying resilience and innovation.
Broader Impact: Symbol of Empowerment and IAF Modernization
Beyond her personal achievements, Sharma stands as an inspiring figure for women in STEM and defence. Her story resonates in a nation where gender barriers in the military are steadily eroding the IAF now boasts over a dozen female fighter pilots, with more in training. Her transition to advanced platforms like the Tejas Mk-1A, Rafale, and Su-30 aligns with the IAF’s strategic pivot toward indigenous and cutting-edge technology, reducing reliance on aging Soviet-era jets like the MiG-21.
In interviews and reports, Sharma’s humility shines through; she credits her success to rigorous training and the support of her mentors. As India continues to bolster its air power amid regional tensions, pilots like Sharma ensure the skies remain secure. Her role in the MiG-21’s sunset salute not only honors a legendary aircraft but also heralds a brighter, more inclusive future for the IAF.
| MiG-21 Historical Contributions | Conflict/Event | Role and Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Induction into IAF | 1963 | First supersonic fighter; inducted in Chandigarh under Wing Commander Dilbagh Singh. |
| Indo-Pak War | 1965 | Provided air superiority; key in dogfights and ground attacks. |
| Indo-Pak War | 1971 | Instrumental in air battles; helped secure victory in the eastern sector. |
| Kargil Conflict | 1999 | Conducted reconnaissance and strikes in high-altitude terrain. |
| Balakot Airstrikes | 2019 | Participated in precision strikes post-Pulwama attack. |
| Retirement Ceremony | September 26, 2025 | Final flypast in Chandigarh; symbolic end with water salute and commemorative stamp. |
This table captures the MiG-21’s enduring legacy, which Sharma helped commemorate in its final chapter.
