Sub‑Lieutenant Aastha Poonia made history on July 3–4, 2025, becoming the first woman inducted into the elite fighter stream of Indian Naval Aviation. Awarded the coveted “Wings of Gold” during the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course graduation at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam, this milestone marks a momentous stride in gender inclusion and defence modernization .
🎓 Early Life & Background
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Birthplace: Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India .
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Education:
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Engineering graduate (B.Tech), details unspecified .
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Attended Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Rajasthan—an institution known for empowering young women; highlighted by her academic excellence and guidance from teachers (IADB).
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Military Route:
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Selected via Short Service Commission into the Navy (Shop SSBCrack).
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Trained at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, and then at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, piloting Pilatus PC‑7 Mk II trainer aircraft (Shop SSBCrack).
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✈️ Path to Becoming a Fighter Pilot
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Advanced Training: Underwent the Hawk 132 Advanced Jet Trainer program at INS Dega – part of the rigorous Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course (The Tribune).
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Wings of Gold Ceremony:
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On July 3, 2025, she and Lt. Atul Kumar Dhull were awarded this distinction by Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air) (The Tribune).
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Next Training: Preparing for MiG‑29K or RAFale‑M fighter jets, which operate from aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant (Shop SSBCrack).
🎯 Significance & Impact
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Historic First
Breaking a long-standing gender barrier within Naval Aviation, becoming the first woman admitted to the fighter jet cadre (The Tribune). -
Gender Equality & Nari Shakti
Seen as a victory for the Ministry of Defence’s “Nari Shakti” initiative, promoting equality and opportunity within the armed forces (The Tribune). -
Aligned with Indian Air Force Progress
India’s Air Force inducted women fighter pilots—Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth, Mohana Singh—in 2016; Poonia’s induction expands this inclusion into naval combat aviation (Shop SSBCrack, The New Indian Express). -
Boosting Naval Modernization
Her entry coincides with modernization plans like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Maritime India Vision 2030, signifying an inclusive and technologically advanced future force (Shop SSBCrack).
🔍 Recent News & Developments
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Tribune India reported her groundbreaking induction and completion of the Hawk course, stressing the significance for gender inclusivity (The Tribune).
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The New Indian Express and Republic World both highlighted her graduation and official naval statements about breaking barriers (The New Indian Express).
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Times of India covered both her ceremony and the Navy’s announcement on X (formerly Twitter) .
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DD News (public broadcaster) echoed the milestone’s importance and referenced broader female leadership within India’s armed forces (DD News).
Controversies:
• No credible reports suggest any controversies or misconduct linked to Poonia. The coverage is unanimously celebratory and respectful.
🌟 Traits, Skills & Leadership
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Technically Skilled: Mastered complex systems aboard the Hawk 132, showcasing advanced flying capabilities.
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Resilience & Focus: Competing and excelling in a traditionally male domain indicates high mental and physical strength.
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Leadership & Inspiration: Represents a new cohort of women poised to transform the defence landscape, motivating others.
🔭 What Lies Ahead?
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Advance Training: A year‑long conversion to frontline fighter jets.
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Carrier Assignments: Expected to serve aboard INS Vikrant or INS Vikramaditya post-qualification.
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Pioneering Role: Her success may pave the way for more women in frontline combat roles within naval and other military branches.
✈️ Quick Stats
Attribute | Details |
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Name | Sub‑Lieutenant Aastha Poonia |
Age | Approx. 24 years |
Home Town | Meerut, Uttar Pradesh |
Education | B.Tech; trained at Banasthali Vidyapeeth |
Entry Route | Short Service Commission (SSC), Indian Navy |
Platforms | PC‑7 Mk II → Hawk 132 → MiG‑29K / Rafale‑M |
Historic First | First female in Navy fighter stream |
Wings Award | July 3, 2025, INS Dega |
Core Value | “Nari Shakti” / gender equality |
🧩 Top Interesting Facts
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No Defence Background: Unlike predecessors, Poonia broke into naval aviation without any family ties to the military.
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Inspired by Female Leaders: Follows footsteps of Avani Chaturvedi, etc., representing progressive continuity.
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Alma Mater Pride: Banasthali Vidyapeeth has an increasing legacy of producing defence servicewomen.
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Symbol of Change: Her induction reflects the Navy’s evolving ethos—diversity strengthening capability.
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National Recognition: Receiving “Wings of Gold” at INS Dega ensures her name is etched in naval aviation history.
❓ FAQs
Q: Who is Aastha Poonia?
A: Sub‑Lieutenant Aastha Poonia is the Indian Navy’s first woman fighter‑stream trainee, set to pilot MiG‑29K or Rafale‑M jets.
Q: When did she earn her Wings of Gold?
A: July 3, 2025, during the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course at INS Dega (The Tribune, Republic World, Shop SSBCrack, Shop SSBCrack, Shop SSBCrack, IADB, The New Indian Express).
Q: What jets will she fly?
A: She’s preparing for carrier‑based MiG‑29K, with potential to fly Rafale‑M in the future (Shop SSBCrack).
Q: Is she the first female pilot in the Navy?
A: No—Lt Shivangi Singh became the first female pilot in 2019, but Poonia is the first for the fighter stream (Shop SSBCrack).
Q: Any controversies?
A: None. All reports have been supportive and celebratory of her achievement.
Q: How does her milestone compare to the Air Force?
A: IAF inducted its first women fighter pilots in 2016; now, the Navy has followed suit with Poonia’s inclusion .
✍️ Conclusion
Sub‑Lieutenant Aastha Poonia’s ascent into the fighter stream is a landmark achievement that pushes the boundaries of gender roles in the Indian Armed Forces. Her journey—from Meerut to the decks of future aircraft carriers—encapsulates determination, skill, and groundbreaking progress. As India’s defence forces modernize, Poonia’s legacy will inspire future generations of women aviators and leaders, cementing her place among the pioneers of Nari Shakti in uniform.
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