The exercise was a notable demonstration of support for the “Make in India” initiative and featured participation from top air forces worldwide, including the US, Greece, Sri Lanka, and Australia. The Indian Air Force now boasts around 20 women fighter pilots following the 2016 policy change allowing women into the fighter stream.
Who is Mohana Singh?
Mohana Singh is among the first female fighter pilots in India, part of the IAF’s historic female fighter stream. She flew MiG-21s and later joined the prestigious “Flying Bullets” squadron at Gujarat’s Naliya air base. Hailing from a military family in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, Singh made history by becoming the first female pilot to fly a “Hawk” aircraft by day in 2019. She was honoured with the Naari Shakti Award in 2020, recognizing her achievements alongside fellow pioneers Avani Chaturvedi and Bhawna Kanth.
Mohana Singh family legacy
Mohana Singhinvolvement in aviation follows a distinguished family legacy. Her grandfather was a flight gunner with the Aviation Research Centre (ARC), a specialised wing of the Indian Air Force (IAF) responsible for reconnaissance and surveillance. Her father is a warrant officer in the IAF, continuing the family’s connection to aviation and military service.
Mohana Singh achievements
In 2016, Mohana Singh, along with Bhawna Kanth and Avni Chaturvedi, made history by becoming the first women to be inducted into the Indian Air Force as fighter pilots. This was a groundbreaking moment in Indian aviation history, as it marked the official inclusion of women in the role of fighter pilots. Prior to this, women had been serving as pilots for helicopters and transport aircraft since 1991, but the role of a fighter pilot was still predominantly male. In 2019, Mohana Singh made history as the first woman in the Indian Air Force to fly a “Hawk” aircraft during daylight hours.
She was one of three Flight Lieutenants honoured with the 2020 Naari Shakti Award. The Indian Air Force shared a post on X, announcing that Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria and Mrs. Asha Bhadauria met and congratulated Flt Lt Avani Chaturvedi, Flt Lt Bhawna Kanth, and Flt Lt Mohana Singh for receiving the award.
Role of Mohana Singh’s in the IAF – From MiG-21 to LCA and the impact of women pioneers
As of now, Mohana Singh is stationed at the LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) squadron at the Naliya air base in Gujarat. The LCA is a significant part of the IAF’s efforts to enhance its indigenous capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign aircraft. Singh’s role at this base involves flying the LCA, which is a testament to her advanced training and skill in handling high-performance aircraft.
Previously, she flew the MiG-21 aircraft, a venerable and iconic fighter jet known for its role in various military operations. Her transition from the MiG-21 to the LCA signifies her evolving role and the growing complexity of her responsibilities within the IAF.
Mohana Singh’s fellow pioneers, Squadron Leaders Bhawna Kanth and Avni Chaturvedi, have also made significant contributions. Kanth and Chaturvedi are now flying the Su-30 MKI fighter jets. The Su-30 MKI is a multirole fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi and built under licence in India. It is known for its advanced avionics, manoeuvrability, and strike capabilities, making it a crucial asset in the IAF’s fleet. The presence of these three women in prominent roles within the IAF represents a major shift towards gender inclusivity in the Indian military. Their achievements reflect a broader change in societal attitudes towards women in combat roles and showcase the progress of women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Significance of ‘Tarang Shakti’ exercise
The recent ‘Tarang Shakti’ exercise, which featured a historic flight by three vice chiefs of the armed forces, underscored the significance of India’s “Make in India” initiative. While Air Force Vice Chief Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh flew solo in the LCA Tejas, the other two vice chiefs—Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani and Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan—flew the trainer variants with two fighter pilots.