First batch of women fighter pilots on June 19: Arup Raha

On the occasion of International women’s day, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha announced that India will see first batch of women fighter pilots on June 18th – something which really corroborates the woman empowerment in India.

“As of now three women trainees have volunteered to join the fighter stream. They are under the second phase of their training. Once they complete their training and are at par with their male colleagues and the passing out parade is scheduled on June 18th,” Raha said.

Raha revealed that three women pilots have voluntarily come forward to register their names for the job. Currently, all the three pilots are going through the training session. After the completion of training, all three trainees will be elevated the first women officers in the fighter stream. After which, they will proceed to the regular fighter squads.

He revealed that it was the Air Mobility Command (AMC) who first provided the opportunity to women to serve in the defence after which, the females were exposed to these opportunities.

This had surprised many as Raha had earlier disapproved of inclusion of women in the fighter squad.

“As far as flying fighter planes is concerned, it is a very challenging job. Women are by nature not physically suited for flying fighter planes for long hours, especially when they are pregnant or have other health problems,” he had said.

President Pranab Mukherjee joint address of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha had also said the same. “In the future, my government will induct women in all fighter streams of our armed forces.” President Mukherjee has said.