New Delhi: Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia has become the first woman to be trained as a fighter pilot in the Indian Navy, marking a significant step towards gender inclusivity in the force. She, along with Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull, received the prestigious ‘Wings of Gold’ on July 3, 2025, during the graduation ceremony of the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course at Indian Naval Air Station Dega (IN Dega) in Visakhapatnam. The honour was presented by Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air).

This milestone makes Sub Lt Poonia the first woman to be streamed into the fighter stream of Naval Aviation. The Indian Navy has previously inducted women officers as pilots and Naval Air Operations Officers in multi-role (MR) aircraft and helicopters. Her induction into the fighter stream is a significant advancement in Naval Aviation, paving the way for more women to enter combat roles and strengthening the Navy’s commitment to diversity and operational excellence.