Sub Lieutenant Anamika B Rajeev has made history as the first Indian woman helicopter pilot in the Indian Navy. She graduated from a naval air base in Arakkonam in Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu, last week. Moreover, Lieutenant Jamyang Tsewang became the first commissioned naval officer from Ladakh. He also graduated as a successful helicopter pilot. 

The Navy announced on Saturday that Sub- Lieutenant Anamika B Rajeev and Lieutenant Tsewang were among the 21 officers to receive the award by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, during the passing out parade at INS Rajali. 

Golden Wings

They were awarded the ‘Golden Wings’ badge. The parade held on Friday was the concluding ceremony of a 22-week intensive training programme that included rigorous flying and ground training for all Indian Navy helicopter pilots at Indian Naval Air Squadron 561, the training centre. 

 

Indian Navy

Sub- Lieutenant Anamika has made history as the first female helicopter pilot in the Navy. Her achievement showcases the Indian Navy’s commitment to gender inclusivity. The Indian Navy has already deployed women pilots for its Dornier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft. Sub- Lieutenant Anamika Rajeev will be flying helicopters such as Sea Kings, ALH Dhruv, Chetak, and MH-60R Sea Hawks. 

Avani Chaturvedi

In the year 2018, Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi made history as the first Indian woman to fly a fighter plane solo in the Indian Air Force. She was part of a three-member women team commissioned as flying officers in July 2016.