Squadron Leader Mohana Singh has etched her name in the annals of aviation history by becoming the first woman fighter pilot to join the elite 18 ‘Flying Bullets’ squadron, operating India’s indigenously developed LCA Tejas fighter jets. This remarkable feat underscores the Indian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and empowerment.
Singh’s historic achievement was highlighted during the recent ‘Tarang Shakti’ exercise in Jodhpur, where she participated in a momentous flight alongside three Vice Chiefs from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Her journey to this milestone has been marked by exceptional talent and dedication.
One of India’s pioneering women fighter pilots, Mohana Singh was among the first three women inducted into the IAF’s fighter stream. Her dedication and skill were recognized in 2020 when she, along with two fellow pilots, Flight Lieutenants Avani Chaturvedi and Bhawna Kanth, were awarded the prestigious ‘Naari Shakti Award.’
In 2019, Mohana Singh achieved another significant milestone by becoming the first IAF woman pilot to become fully operational by day on ‘Hawk’ aircraft. She subsequently served with No. 3 Squadron Cobras, flying the MiG-21 at NAL Air Force Station, Bikaner. Prior to her recent posting to the LCA squadron, she was flying the MiG-21s and was deployed to the Naliya air base in the Gujarat sector, along the border with Pakistan.
Her dedication and commitment to her profession are evident in her words. In 2023, she was quoted by the Hindustan Times as saying, “In IAF, we have embraced gender equality in the truest sense. The three of us work alongside our male colleagues to accomplish the tasks assigned to the squadron.”
The Indian Air Force has made significant strides in promoting gender equality, with around 20 women fighter pilots currently serving. Mohana Singh’s two fellow trailblazers, Sqn Ldr Bhawna Kanth and Sqn Ldr Avni Chaturvedi, are now flying the advanced Su-30 MKI fighter jets in the western desert.
Mohana Singh’s achievement serves as an inspiration for aspiring women pilots and a testament to the Indian Air Force’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and diverse force. Her journey paves the way for future generations of women to break barriers and soar to new heights in the world of aviation.
