Mohana Singh: First Woman Fighter Pilot in LCA Tejas Fleet

In a historic milestone for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the nation, Flight Lieutenant Mohana Singh has become the first woman fighter pilot in India to fly the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas fighter fleet. This achievement marks a significant step in women’s empowerment in the Indian Armed Forces, especially in roles traditionally dominated by men.

Mohana Singh, hailing from Rajasthan, has always been passionate about aviation, a passion that runs in her family. Her grandfather was a flight gunner in the Air Force, and her father, a Warrant Officer in the Indian Air Force, served as a guiding force behind her ambitions. Joining the IAF in 2016 as part of the first batch of women fighter pilots, she, along with Avani Chaturvedi and Bhawana Kanth, made headlines as the first three women fighter pilots of the IAF.

Her recent accomplishment of being inducted into the LCA Tejas fleet is groundbreaking in many ways. The LCA Tejas is India’s indigenously developed, supersonic, single-engine fighter jet. It is known for its agility, cutting-edge technology, and multirole capabilities. Piloting this aircraft requires not only technical proficiency but also physical and mental endurance. For Mohana Singh, this role has further demonstrated her remarkable skills, dedication, and grit in the male-dominated world of combat aviation.

Mohana Singh’s journey symbolizes the growing opportunities for women in defense forces, especially in combat roles. Over the years, the Indian government and military have introduced numerous reforms to ensure greater participation of women in key roles. Her success paves the way for more women to aspire to roles that once seemed out of reach.

This achievement is not just a personal victory for Mohana Singh but also a proud moment for the nation. It signals a shift in perception and an evolving mindset that recognizes and values talent, courage, and dedication regardless of gender. As more women step into challenging roles, Mohana Singh’s trailblazing journey is an inspiration, reinforcing that the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.

With her place in the LCA Tejas fleet, Mohana Singh has soared to new heights, becoming a symbol of India’s evolving defense forces and the possibilities ahead for women in aviation.