New Delhi: Deputy Lieutenant Aastha Pononia became the first woman to stream in a fighter stream of naval aviation, marking women for the first time for the Indian Navy.On Thursday, Ponia along with Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhul was honored with the prestigious ‘Wings of Gold’ by the Rear Admiral Janak Bewali, a naval staff (AIR) assistant head during the winging ceremony of the second Basic Hawk Conversion Course held at Ins Daga, Visakhapatnam.While the two officials graduated from the syllabus, it was the historical inspiration of the Deputy Lieutenant Pinea, with a widespread attention in the fighter stream, which broke the long -standing glass roof and opened the way to join the frontline Combat Aviation cadre for more women.“A new chapter in Naval Aviation,” the Indian Navy posted on X, celebrating the occasion. “Slt Poonia becomes the first female pilot to stream in the fighter stream of naval aviation – breaking and floating routes for a new era of female fighter pilots in the Navy.”A naval spokesperson said, “Streaming of sub -lieutenant institution Ponia in fighter streams exposed the Indian Navy’s commitment to gender inclusion in naval aviation and promoted ‘Nari Shakti’, promoted the culture of equality and opportunity.”Although female officers were earlier commissioned in the form of pilots and air operating officers in the Navy’s marine reconnaissance aircraft and helicopters, it has first entered the demand fighter aircraft stream by a woman.This achievement reflects the widespread vision of female power, in which the Navy continuously carried forward its efforts to increase women’s participation in leadership and operating roles. It also comes at a time when women officials of the Indian Armed Forces have been rapidly recognized for their operational capacity.Recently, during Operation Sindoor, Indian Army Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Indian Air Force Wing Commander Vyomika Singh made headlines, making headlines, strengthening the growing role of women under India’s defense leadership – India’s defense leadership.
