3 female fighter pilots commissioned in India

Creating history, the first batch of three female pilots — Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh were inducted in Indian Air Force fighter squadron yesterday.

The pilots were drafted into the IAF after they cleared the first stage of training and have about 150 hours of flying experience among them.

 The three young officers in their mid-20s will train for six months on the Advanced Jet Fighter - the British-built Hawk – before being assigned to their squadrons.

 Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who was present to witness the passing out parade, complimented all officers on their successful induction to the squad and said "this is a golden day in the history of IAF. It should be an opening for more women for joining combat forces."

 However, Indian Army and Navy have as of now no plan to induct women in infantry, armoured corps or artillery unit or onboard warships.