Squadron Leader Mohana Singh has made history by becoming the first woman fighter pilot to fly the Tejas, India’s indigenously built fighter jet. This groundbreaking achievement occurred during the recent ‘Tarang Shakti’ military exercise in Jodhpur, marking a significant milestone not only for the Indian Air Force (IAF) but also for gender equality in India’s armed forces.
A Trailblazing Career
Born in January 1992 in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, Mohana Singh hails from a family deeply rooted in military service. Her father, Pratap Singh Jitarwal, is a retired IAF Master Warrant Officer, and her grandfather was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra. Inspired by her family’s military background, Singh harbored aspirations from a young age to become a fighter pilot.
Despite excelling in both academics and sports, her dream of flying fighter jets always stood out. She shared in a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi that this passion was driven by her family’s service to the nation, which shaped her lifelong ambition.
Breaking Barriers in Military Aviation
In 2016, Mohana Singh, alongside Avani Chaturvedi and Bhawana Kanth, became one of the first women to be inducted into the Indian Air Force’s fighter pilot program. This followed a historic decision by the IAF to open its fighter stream to women, shattering long-standing gender barriers in the military. Singh underwent extensive training at the IAF base in Hakimpet, Telangana, preparing to serve alongside her male counterparts in high-intensity combat roles.
Her first major career breakthrough came in 2019 when she became the first female fighter pilot in the IAF to attain full operational status on the Hawk Mk.132 advanced jet trainer. Singh had by then logged over 380 hours of incident-free flying, mastering both Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground combat modes. As stated by the IAF, “She has undertaken many practice missions which involved firing of rockets, guns, and dropping high-caliber bombs and also participated in various Air Force-level flying exercises.”
The Transition to Tejas
Singh’s most recent advancement is her transition from piloting MiG-21s to joining the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas squadron at the Naliya airbase in Gujarat. The Naliya base, strategically located near the Pakistan border, plays a crucial role in maintaining India’s defence preparedness.
The Tejas, an indigenous fighter jet, represents India’s strides in self-reliant defence technology. Singh’s historic flight during the ‘Tarang Shakti’ exercise, which involved assisting the Army and Navy Vice Chiefs, underscores her role in these significant defence developments. During this exercise, Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Vice Chief of the IAF, flew the Tejas solo, while the other Vice Chiefs, Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani and Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, flew trainer variants.
A Role Model for Aspiring Women Pilots
Mohana Singh’s achievements extend beyond the cockpit. On March 9, 2020, she, along with her pioneering colleagues Avani Chaturvedi and Bhawana Kanth, was honoured with the prestigious Nari Shakti Puraskar by then-President Ram Nath Kovind. This award recognized their trailblazing roles as India’s first female fighter pilots and their contribution to national defence.
Reflecting on the award, Singh expressed her gratitude and pride, stating, “Nari Shakti Puraskar…we feel privileged and honored to receive this award as it is not just motivation for us to continue doing the service for the nation but also to the other women and girls who are looking up to us.” Her message to aspiring women was simple yet profound: “Spread your wings and fly high.” She has become a source of inspiration for many young women across India, encouraging them to pursue their dreams in fields traditionally dominated by men.
A Legacy of Firsts
Squadron Leader Mohana Singh has not only become the first woman to fly the Tejas but also a symbol of India’s commitment to gender equality within the armed forces. As the IAF continues to promote women in combat roles, Singh’s achievements stand as a testament to what can be accomplished through determination, skill, and dedication.
Her role in the ‘Tarang Shakti‘ exercise also illustrates the growing importance of women in high-stakes military operations. By piloting the Tejas, she has set a new standard for future generations of female fighter pilots, reaffirming that the sky is not the limit but just the beginning for those who dare to dream.
The Tejas Fighter Jet and Its Significance
The Tejas is a significant milestone in India’s defence capabilities, being one of the few indigenous fighter jets developed entirely within the country. Known for its agility, speed, and advanced avionics, it plays a critical role in India’s air defence strategy. Piloting this aircraft not only demands exceptional skill but also places Singh at the forefront of India’s defence modernization efforts.
As India continues to push boundaries in defence technology and gender equality, Squadron Leader Mohana Singh’s journey stands as a beacon of progress. Her flight in the Tejas has not only rewritten history but has also opened the door for countless women to pursue their own high-flying dreams.