Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu, June 2026: Six young officers of the Indian Navy formally joined the elite community of rotary-wing aviators after successfully graduating from the Helicopter Training School (HTS) at INS Rajali, Arakkonam. The officers were awarded the coveted “Golden Wings” during an impressive Passing Out Parade, marking their transformation from trainee officers into qualified naval helicopter pilots.
The parade was reviewed by Vice Admiral Susheel Menon, Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command, who awarded the Golden Wings to the newly qualified pilots. The ceremony marked the successful completion of the 106th Helicopter Conversion Course, conducted at the Helicopter Training School under Indian Naval Air Squadron 561. The course reportedly involved an intensive 22-week training programme covering both flying and ground subjects.
A proud moment of history was created during the ceremony as Sub Lieutenant Ahona Majumdar became the first woman rotary-wing pilot to be awarded the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Rolling Trophy for standing first in the Order of Merit in Flying. Her achievement stands as a major milestone for women officers in Indian naval aviation and reflects the growing participation of women in demanding operational roles across the armed forces.
The FOCINC(East) Rolling Trophy is awarded to the trainee pilot who secures the top position in flying merit. By winning this prestigious honour, Sub Lieutenant Majumdar has not only distinguished herself among her coursemates but has also set a new benchmark of professional excellence for future women aviators in the Indian Navy.
The Passing Out Parade at INS Rajali was a moment of pride for the Indian Navy, the instructors of HTS, and the families of the graduating officers. The Golden Wings symbolise a pilot’s successful transition into the demanding world of naval aviation, where precision, courage, technical knowledge and operational discipline are essential.
Lieutenant Arun Kumar was awarded the Governor of Kerala Rolling Trophy for standing first in the overall Order of Merit, while Lieutenant Shivam Singh received the Sub Lieutenant Kunte Memorial Book Prize for securing first position in ground subjects. These awards highlighted the all-round performance of the course and the high standards maintained by the training establishment.
The Helicopter Training School at INS Rajali has played a crucial role in shaping generations of rotary-wing pilots for the Indian Navy and other services. With a heritage spanning more than five decades, HTS has trained over 900 pilots from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and friendly foreign nations.
The newly qualified pilots will now move on to frontline naval units, where they are expected to undertake a wide range of operational roles. Naval helicopters are vital assets for maritime reconnaissance, surveillance, search and rescue, anti-piracy missions, humanitarian assistance, casualty evacuation and fleet support operations. Their role becomes even more important in the Indian Ocean Region, where the Indian Navy maintains a constant operational presence.
INS Rajali, located at Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu, is one of the Indian Navy’s premier air stations and a key centre for naval aviation training. The graduation of six new pilots from HTS further strengthens the Naval Air Arm’s operational capability at a time when maritime security challenges are becoming increasingly complex.
Sub Lieutenant Ahona Majumdar’s achievement adds a special chapter to the Indian Navy’s journey towards greater gender inclusion in combat and operational aviation roles. Her success is likely to inspire many young women aspiring to serve the nation in uniform and fly for the Navy.
As the six pilots step into their new responsibilities, the Indian Navy wished them safe flying and happy landings, while celebrating their hard work, discipline and commitment to service. The ceremony at INS Rajali was not just a graduation parade, but a reminder of the Navy’s continued focus on excellence, professionalism and future-ready maritime aviation.
