In a first for Indian military aviation, Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia is the first woman to have been trained as a fighter pilot in the Indian Navy. This is a big step forward towards gender integration in naval combat operations. Poonia may soon operate frontline fighter aircraft like MiG-29K or the naval version of the Rafale from India’s aircraft carriers.
The Indian Navy confirmed this historic development after the second basic Hawk conversion course graduation ceremony, conducted on July 3, 2025. India employs the Hawk 132 advanced jet trainer in training its military pilots, a platform inducted into service in 2013.
“On 3 July 2025, Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull and Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia received the prestigious ‘Wings of Gold’ from Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, ACNS (Air),” the Navy stated in an official release.
“Sub Lt Aastha Poonia becomes the first woman… in the fighter stream of naval aviation, shattering barriers and paving the way for a new era of women fighter pilots in the navy,” it said.
.@indiannavy celebrated the graduation of the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam
On July 3, 2025, Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull and Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia received the prestigious ‘Wings of Gold’ from Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, ACNS (Air). SLt… pic.twitter.com/D3QKICnT5Z
— PIB India (@PIB_India) July 4, 2025
Navy to Induct Women in Combat Roles
The Indian Navy had already inducted women officers as pilots and air operations officers in its maritime reconnaissance aircraft and helicopters. The Navy has, for the first time, inducted a woman—Sub Lt Poonia—into the fighter stream to train for flying high-performance combat jets from aircraft carriers.
As per the Indian Navy, this move “reiterates the navy’s focus towards gender diversity in naval aviation and encouragement of ‘Nari Shakti’ (women’s power), giving rise to a culture of opportunity and equality.”
Future Role Aboard India’s Aircraft Carriers
The Indian Navy has two carriers in operation—INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. Sub Lt Poonia can pilot the MiG-29K, the naval version of the MiG-29 that has served with the Indian Air Force for decades. She may also fly the future naval iteration of the French Rafale fighter aircraft.
Both can operate from carriers and are the cutting edge of India’s maritime aviation power.
Sub Lt Poonia’s accomplishment is a precedent and gives rise to newer opportunities for generations of women officers to come who are seeking to serve in front-line combat positions in the Indian Armed Forces.
