In a significant development highlighting the evolving roles of women in the Indian Air Force (IAF), Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, recognised as the country’s first female pilot qualified on the Rafale fighter jet, has been posted to a training establishment where she will instruct aspiring aviators on the BAE Hawk advanced jet trainer.
This transition marks a new phase in Squadron Leader Singh’s distinguished career, shifting from operational frontline duties with a Rafale squadron to mentoring the next generation of IAF fighter pilots. Her appointment follows the successful completion of the rigorous Flying Instructors Course at the Flying Instructors School in Tambaram, one of the most demanding programmes in military aviation.
Commissioned in 2017 as part of the second batch of women fighter pilots, Squadron Leader Singh, a native of Varanasi, initially operated the MiG-21 Bison before qualifying on the Rafale in 2020. She served with the Rafale squadron based in Ambala, participating in high-tempo missions and international exercises. Notably, she was photographed alongside President Droupadi Murmu during the President’s sortie in a Rafale earlier this year.
The Hawk advanced jet trainer, integral to the IAF’s pilot training pipeline, prepares aviators for transition to frontline fighters, including the Rafale.
Squadron Leader Singh’s new role underscores the IAF’s confidence in her expertise and commitment to developing skilled pilots. Her career trajectory continues to serve as an inspiration for women in defence services.
This posting also indirectly refutes earlier misinformation campaigns, affirming her ongoing contributions to the IAF.
