IAF to introduce first batch of female Fighter Pilots on June 18

On International Women's Day, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha announced that first batch of female fighter pilots to be included in Indian Air Force from June 18. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) March 09, 2016 - As a treat to all the women out there on the International Women's Day, Air Chief Marshal Arup Rahaannounced that the first batch of female fighter pilots is to be included in Indian Air Force from June 18th this year.

Raha told that at present only three women trainees, who are in their second phase of training, have come forward to join the fighter stream. He added that they would be joining their other male colleagues on June 18th after completing their training.

It is to be noted that in March, a year ago, Raha had said that flying fighter planes is a challenging job and hence women will not suit the role due to their physical inabilities like pregnancy or other health problems.

But now he completely agrees that women could be fighter pilots whatever hindrance arise.

At first, women were serving as pilots only on helicopter and transport planes, and from June 18 this year, the Air Force will witness women fighter pilots as well.

At a seminar on 'Women in Armed Medical Corps' conducted in view of International Women's Day in Delhi, Raha was very much pleased to thank the Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for approving IAF's proposal to include women fighter pilots in Air Force.

Parrikar in return applauded Raha for consistently pushing the proposal to the defence ministry level without any hesitation or delay.

"I congratulate you for initiating the seminar which will go a long way in deciding the role of women in uniform and not only in the Armed Medical Corps," Parrikar said.

Raha finally ascertained that the first batch of 3 women fighter pilots will take in-charge on the scheduled date and that they would be undergoing advanced jet training and will later proceed to regular squads.

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