Mohana Singh makes history as first female pilot of India's LCA Tejas

Squadron Leader Mohana Singh has become the first woman pilot to join the squadron of India's 'Made in India' LCA Tejas fighter jet. 

Her achievement shows Indian Air Force's commitment to gender equality. She was recently part of the 'Tarang Shakti' exercise in Jodhpur.

The 'Tarang Shakti' exercise also included the Deputy Chiefs of the three armies. This squadron is known as 'Flying Bullets'.

Mohana is one of the first female fighter pilots in the country. She is accompanied by Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth and Avani Chaturvedi.

She recently flew MiG-21s and has now been assigned to the LCA squadron at Naliya airbase, located in the Gujarat sector along the Pakistan border.

During this practice in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Mohana Singh briefed and assisted the Deputy Chiefs of Military and Navy about LCA Tejas.

Deputy Chief of the IAF, Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, flew solo in the LCA Tejas fighter aircraft, while the other Deputy Chiefs piloted trainer versions of the aircraft.

This flight sent a strong message supporting Make in India and took place during an international exercise at Jodhpur airbase, featuring major global air forces.

There are about 20 women fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force since the opening of the fighter stream for women in 2016.