INDIAN ARMED FORCES CHIEFS ON
OUR RELENTLESS AND FOCUSED PUBLISHING EFFORTS
SP Guide Publications puts forth a well compiled articulation of issues, pursuits and accomplishments of the Indian Army, over the years
I am confident that SP Guide Publications would continue to inform, inspire and influence.
My compliments to SP Guide Publications for informative and credible reportage on contemporary aerospace issues over the past six decades.
Women to the Fore!
Women fighter pilots of the IAF are pioneers in the field and will be role models for the generations to follow
On August 12, 2016, Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh DFC felicitated the three women fighter pilots who are the pioneers in the new era of women in combat roles in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Breaking Barriers!
In October 2015, the government decided to permit women pilots to join the fighter stream of the IAF. This decision was taken on an experimental basis for a period of five years after which it would be reviewed. The three women — Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh — broke yet another glass ceiling and created history as India’s first women fighter pilots in the IAF when they were conferred with the President’s Commission on June 18 this year. A career as a fighter pilot in the IAF is undoubtedly most challenging and rewarding as well!
The achievement of these three courageous young women, who are in their early 20s, is a significant milestone for the Indian military as a whole as this is the first time that women have been assigned combat role in the Indian armed forces.
The IAF has been inducting women pilots in the flying branch since 1994. Till date, more than 180 women officers have been inducted as pilots in the transport and helicopter streams. Over the years, the women pilots have proved their mettle and their performance has been on par with their male colleagues. The IAF has recently taken a decision to induct women pilots in the fighter stream which is believed to be far more strenuous and demanding in nature.
On June 18, 2016, three women pilots, on successful completion of initial flying training, were commissioned as pilots in the fighter stream of the IAF. These women pilots competed alongside their male counterparts to be part of the elite fighting force and were selected based solely on their capability. They are pioneers in the field and will be role models for the generations to follow.
Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh DFC, who was the Chief of the Air Staff during the war with Pakistan in 1965, is a living legend and is also the senior most fighter pilot of the IAF. He has been a constant source of inspiration to generations of air-warriors. An interaction and encouragement from the Marshal of the Indian Air Force will be a matter of great honour for the budding young women fighter pilots and will motivate them to excel in their profession.
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