Bhubaneswar, July 4 -- https://images.odishatv.in/uploadimage/library/16_9/16_9_0/recent_photo_1751620936.webp
In a landmark moment for gender equality in India's armed forces, the Indian Navy on Friday inducted its first woman into the fighter pilot stream. Sub-Lieutenant Aastha Poonia graduated from the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam, earning her place among the Navy's elite fighter pilots.
This achievement marks a significant step forward in empowering women in combat roles. While women officers have long been inducted as pilots and Naval Air Operations Officers in maritime reconnaissance aircraft and helicopters, Aastha's entry into the fighter stream breaks a new glass ceiling in Naval Aviation.
Sub-L...