In a landmark moment for gender representation in India’s security forces, the Border Security Force (BSF) has welcomed its first-ever woman Flight Engineer in its 50-year history — Inspector Bhawana Choudhary.
After completing her rigorous in-house training, Inspector Choudhary was awarded the flying badge by BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chaudhary, alongside four of her male counterparts.
The BSF, which operates the aviation unit of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has been providing crucial air support to paramilitary operations and special units like the National Security Guard (NSG) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) since 1969.
An official highlighted the significance of this achievement, saying,
“The BSF Air Wing has been facing a shortage of trained flight engineers for its Mi-17 helicopter fleet. While the Indian Air Force trained the first batch of subordinate officers, the next batch could not be accommodated due to scheduling constraints. The MHA then allowed BSF to conduct its own in-house training program, leading to the successful qualification of five personnel — including Inspector Bhawana Choudhary, who has now made history as the first woman Flight Engineer of the BSF Air Wing.”
The intensive training, which began in August, included 130 hours of advanced skill development and hands-on operational exposure. Trainees participated in real-time sorties during rescue and relief operations — including those conducted during the recent floods in Punjab and neighboring states.
The BSF Air Wing currently operates a fleet that includes Mi-17 IV, Mi-17 V5, Cheetah, and ALH Dhruv helicopters, along with a fixed-wing Embraer jet for VIP duties.
As India’s primary border guarding force, the BSF not only secures the nation’s frontiers with Pakistan and Bangladesh but also plays a crucial role in preventing cross-border crimes, smuggling, infiltration, and supporting internal security operations.
Inspector Bhawana Choudhary’s achievement stands as a powerful symbol of change — proving that with determination and skill, women are breaking new ground in every domain of national service.