Astha is the first woman streamed into the fighter stream of Indian Navy
Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia has made history, becoming the first woman to be trained 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
A Ministry of Defence statement on Friday announced the graduation of the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam.
“On July 3 2025, Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull and Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia received the prestigious ‘Wings of Gold’ from Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, ACNS (Air). S-Lt 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.
“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,” the MoD said
