These women will now thunder across the ocean’s chest, who is the Indian Navy’s first female fighter pilot?

On 3 July 2025, a new chapter was added to the history of the Indian Navy, when for the first time a woman officer was given the responsibility of a fighter pilot. Till now women were limited to helicopters and reconnaissance aircraft in the Navy, now women power will also respond to enemies from the sky in the security of the country’s maritime borders.

New Delhi: Women's power has now entered the security of India's maritime borders. The day of 3 July 2025 brought a historic turn in the history of the Indian Navy when Sub-Lieutenant Aastha Punia was inducted into the fighter stream of the Navy for the first time.

She has now become the first woman in the Navy who will fly fighter aircraft and not just be a part of reconnaissance or helicopter missions, reports Dynamite News correspondent.

Who is Aastha Punia?

Aastha Punia, a resident of Rajasthan, had been dreaming of joining the army for a long time. With her strong determination, discipline, and skills, she achieved this position, which no female Navy officer had touched to date.

Honored with this award

In a ceremony held at the Naval Air Station, she and her colleague Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhul were awarded the 'Wings of Gold.' This honor was given to her by Rear Admiral Janak Bevli after completing the second Basic Hawk Conversion Course. The Indian Navy shared this historic achievement on Twitter (formerly Twitter) and wrote, "A new chapter added to naval aviation."

Which fighter jet will Aastha fly?

Although it has not been officially revealed which fighter jet Aastha will fly, the Indian Navy's fleet mainly consists of MiG-29K fighter jets, which operate from aircraft carriers like INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.

This fighter jet has a range of 2346 kilometers, a combat range of 722 kilometers, and a capacity of up to 450 kg of bombs and missiles. That is, now Aastha Punia will be the first Indian female warrior to challenge the enemies from the heights of the sea.

What is its great importance?

The Navy's fighter stream is now officially open for women. Aastha Punia showed the Indian daughters that now not just the land, but the sea and the sky will also shine with the footprints of women.