Nari Shakti in Navy: Aastha Poonia receives 'Wings of Gold'; becomes first woman to be trained as a fighter pilot

NEW DELHI: Slt Aastha Poonia has become the first woman to be trained as a fighter pilot of the Indian Navy , paving the way for a new era of women fighter pilots in the Navy.

In a post on X, the Indian Navy announced that Lt Atul Kumar Dhull and Slt Aastha Poonia received the prestigious 'Wings of Gold' from RAdm Janak Bevli, ACNS (Air).

"A New Chapter in Naval Aviation #IndianNavy marks a historic milestone with the graduation of the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course on #03Jul 2025 at @IN_Dega. Lt Atul Kumar Dhull and Slt Aastha Poonia received the prestigious 'Wings of Gold' from RAdm Janak Bevli, ACNS (Air). Slt Poonia becomes the First Woman Pilot to be streamed into the Fighter stream of #NavalAviation - Shattering Barriers and paving way for a new era of women fighter pilots in the Navy," the navy said.

Indian Navy has already inducted women officers as Pilots and Naval Air Operations Officers in MR aircraft and helicopters. 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.