Women IAF pilots to fly fighter planes by 2018

New Delhi: In a major announcement on the occasion of the 83rd Indian Air Force Day on Thursday that generated much buzz and tremendous excitement especially among  women officers, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha said the IAF is now planning to induct women  into the fighter aircraft stream.

Women officers in the IAF already fly transport aircraft and helicopters and there are about 110 such women IAF pilots. The deployment of women in combat duties will also be discussed during a meeting between Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and the three service chiefs within the next few days, top defence sources said on Thursday evening..

“We have women pilots flying transport aircraft and helicopters. We are now planning to induct them into the fighter stream to meet the aspirations of young women in India,” the IAF Chief said while addressing the air warriors at the Hindon airbase near Delhi.

If the proposal is cleared by the Government, the IAF is expected to monitor the performance of women pilots on the Advanced Jet Trainer Hawk after imparting the requisite training.

The IAF’s proposal is being taken up with the Ministry of Defence and once cleared, it will take at least three years to have a fully operational woman fighter plane pilot, he told reporters.