In a historic development for the women officers of Indian defence, the Indian Navy has shortlisted two woman officers to join as ‘Observers’ (Airborne Tacticians) in the Indian Navy’s helicopter stream. Sub Lieutenant (SLt) Kumudini Tyagi and SLt Riti Singh would be the first woman air combatants to stay on and operate from the deck of a ship once deployed.

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According to the reports, Sub Lt Singh and Sub Lt Tyagi along with other officers of the 22nd Short Service Course were awarded golden wings in a ceremony at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi on Monday, September 21.

Earlier, entry of women was restricted to the fixed-wing aircraft that took off and landed ashore. However, the recent decision has come out as a landmark occasion as women are going to be trained in helicopter operations for the first time. This will pave the way for their deployment in frontline warships of the Indian Navy.

In another significant development, days after the induction of newly arrived Rafale Fighter Jets, a woman fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force is likely to join the Golden Arrows squadron soon to operate the French birds in the Indian sky.

According to the reports, the woman pilot is undergoing intensive training to join the fleet and fly the Rafale aircraft. A PTI report quoted official sources saying that the pilot has been flying the MiG-21 fighters and was selected for the Rafale fleet following an internal process.

At present, there are about 1,875 women officers serving in the Indian Air Force, of which 10 women are fighter pilots and 18 are navigators.