Squadron Leader Mohana Singh made history by becoming the first woman fighter pilot in the elite 18 ‘Flying Bullets’ squadron, operating India’s indigenous LCA Tejas fighter jets. Her groundbreaking achievement not only reflects her personal grit but also underscores the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) commitment to gender equality and empowerment. In recognition of her remarkable contribution, she was honored with the prestigious Naari Shakti Award in 2020, alongside two other pioneering women fighter pilots, Avani Chaturvedi and Bhawna Kanth.
A Historic Milestone in Indian Aviation
Mohana Singh’s induction into the LCA Tejas fleet is a significant milestone for both her and the Indian Air Force. As the first woman pilot in the 18 ‘Flying Bullets’ squadron, she now commands the advanced, indigenously designed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), a symbol of India’s growing self-reliance in defense. Her participation in Exercise Tarang Shakti in Jodhpur, where she flew alongside the Vice Chiefs of the three defense forces, further highlights her role in India’s air superiority and defense strategies.
The LCA Tejas is known for its cutting-edge design, agility, and state-of-the-art avionics, making it a formidable asset in the IAF’s fleet. Mohana Singh’s proficiency in piloting this advanced fighter aircraft speaks volumes about her skill and training, marking her as a trailblazer in India’s defense sector.
A Trailblazing Career
Mohana Singh was one of the first three women to be inducted into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force when the government opened the role to women in 2016. Along with Avani Chaturvedi and Bhawna Kanth, she broke barriers and entered the male-dominated world of fighter aviation. In 2019, Singh became the first IAF woman pilot to be fully operational by day on the Hawk advanced trainer aircraft, another notable accomplishment in her aviation career.
Before joining the LCA Tejas fleet, Mohana Singh flew MiG-21 fighter jets as part of the No. 3 Squadron Cobras, based at NAL Air Force Station in Bikaner. Her experiences in the MiG-21, a challenging aircraft to fly, honed her skills as a fighter pilot, preparing her for her current role with the LCA Tejas squadron stationed at Naliya Air Base in Gujarat, along the border with Pakistan.
Commitment to Gender Equality
Throughout her career, Mohana Singh has been a vocal advocate for gender equality within the Indian Air Force. In an interview with Hindustan Times in 2023, she stated, “In the IAF, we have embraced gender equality in the truest sense. The three of us work alongside our male colleagues to accomplish the tasks assigned to the squadron.” Her words resonate with the broader movement toward empowering women in roles traditionally dominated by men, demonstrating that women are equally capable of excelling in high-pressure, high-risk environments like the fighter stream of the Air Force.
Honors and Recognition
In 2020, Singh’s achievements were celebrated on a national level when she received the Naari Shakti Award, India’s highest civilian honor for women, alongside her fellow fighter pilots Avani Chaturvedi and Bhawna Kanth. The Indian Air Force’s official post on X (formerly Twitter) lauded the trio for their contributions, with Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria and Mrs. Asha Bhadauria personally congratulating them.
Women in Indian Air Force
Since 2016, when the government opened the fighter pilot stream to women, the Indian Air Force has seen significant progress in gender inclusion. Today, the IAF boasts around 20 women fighter pilots, with Singh’s compatriots, Sqn Ldr Bhawna Kanth and Sqn Ldr Avni Chaturvedi, flying Su-30 MKI jets in the western desert. Their collective presence in the fighter stream is a testament to the growing role of women in India’s defense services, helping to pave the way for future generations.
A Role Model for Future Generations
Mohana Singh’s journey as a fighter pilot is an inspiring story of dedication, skill, and perseverance. As the first woman to fly the LCA Tejas, she not only sets new standards in aviation but also serves as a role model for young women aspiring to careers in the armed forces. Her legacy is one of breaking barriers and pushing boundaries, embodying the spirit of Naari Shakti (Women Power) in every sense of the word.