Aastha Punia Becomes Navy’s First Female Fighter Pilot

Sub-Lieutenant Aastha Punia has become the first female fighter pilot of the Indian Navy. She is the first Indian woman to do so. Aastha Punia will now fly fighter jets like the MiG-29. The Navy has also given information about this on social media.

Let us tell you that there are already women pilots in the reconnaissance aircraft and helicopter stream of the Indian Navy. However, Aastha will fly fighter planes. The Navy plays an important role in the security of the country. Now Aastha's role will also increase further in this.

The Indian Navy has shared a post on X. Aastha Punia's picture has also been included in it. The Navy wrote in the post, "A new chapter has been added to Naval Aviation. The Indian Navy set a historic milestone with the completion of the 2nd Basic Hawk Conversion Course at the Indian Naval Air Station on 03 July 2025. Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhul and SLT Aastha Punia received the prestigious 'Wings of Gold' award from Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, ACNS (Air).

There is no official information yet about which fighter aircraft Aastha will get. The Indian Navy has certain types of fighter aircraft, which can fly through INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. The Navy has a MiG-29 fighter aircraft. It is specially designed. Its combat range is 722 km, while the normal range is 2346 km. It is capable of carrying four bombs, missiles and other weapons weighing 450 kg.