Sub Lt Astha Poonia becomes 1st woman to be trained as Indian Navy fighter pilot

Once Poonia completes her year-long training, she would qualify for the fighter stream of naval aviation and may fly the MiG-29K or Rafale M fighter jet off the Navy’s aircraft carriers. (Credit: X/@indiannavy)

Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia has become the first woman to be trained as a fighter pilot in the Indian Navy. She may eventually fly the MiG-29K or the naval version of the Rafale fighter jet off India's aircraft carriers.

Poonia is all set to begin one year of final training to qualify as a full-fledged MiG-29K pilot capable of tearing into the sky from an aircraft carrier on the high seas.

Women are already serving as pilots and officers in maritime reconnaissance roles in the Indian Navy.

The Navy’s announcement came after the winging ceremony of the second basic Hawk conversion course. The Indian Navy celebrated the graduation of the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam, according to a report by The Indian Express.

Advanced flying training of India military pilots take place in the British-origin Hawk Mk 132 advanced jet trainer before they train on frontline fighter jets.

“On 3 July 2025, Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull and Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia received the prestigious ‘Wings of Gold’ from Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, ACNS (Air),” the Navy said in a statement.

“SLt Aastha Poonia becomes the first woman to be streamed into the Fighter stream of Naval Aviation – Shattering barriers and paving way for a new era of women fighter pilots in the Navy,” it said.

“Streaming of SLt Aastha Poonia into the Fighter Stream highlights the Indian Navy’s commitment towards gender inclusivity in Naval Aviation and promoting Nari Shakti, fostering a culture of equality and opportunity,” the Navy said.

The Indian Navy operates two aircraft carriers - INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. The MiG-29K is the naval version of the MiG-29 fighter jet that has been serving with the Indian Air Force (IAF) for decades.