Women Can Now Train As Frontline Indian Air Force Fighter Pilots

[ayesha.a]

Women Can Now Train As Frontline Indian Air Force Fighter Pilots

New Delhi: In seven months, the first batch of Indian women will begin to train as fighter pilots of the Indian Air Force in a move that breaks a glass ceiling that has existed for decades.

In another year following that, with the Ministry of Defence giving its nod for their induction in combat roles, the first Indian women combat pilots will be in the cockpits of frontline fighter jets of the Air Force in June 2017.

"Ministry of Defence Approves induction of women into the Fighter (Combat) Stream," ministry spokesperson Sitanshu Kar said in a tweet today and added that first women fighter pilots would be selected from the batch presently undergoing training at the Air Force Academy.

Those selected will begin to train as fighter pilots in seven months. After successful completion of training, first Indian women combat pilots will be in the cockpits of frontline fighter jets in June 2017.

Earlier this month, on 83rd Air Force Day, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha had announced that women would soon be inducted as fighter pilots, making IAF the first of the three services to have women in active front-line combat roles.

"This progressive step is in keeping with the aspirations of Indian women and is in line with contemporary trends in armed forces of developed nations," the ministry said in a statement today.

There are around 1,500 women in the Air Force, including 94 pilots and 14 navigators. At the moment, they serve as transport and helicopter pilots in the IAF but are not exposed to direct combat. With today's decision, they have now become eligible for induction in all branches and streams of the IAF.

In 2010, women in the Army and the Air Force were allowed full term service by the Delhi High Court, which commented that women officers "deserve better from the government."

Last month, women naval officers also scored this milestone, with the High Court saying it would "frown upon any endeavor to block progress of women."

Till five years ago, women military officers were entitled only to a limited service span.

The Ministry of Defence has also taken up a comprehensive review pertaining to induction of women in Armed Forces both in short service commission and permanent commission (SSC & PC) and once finalised more and more branches would be opened up for women.

 

[Styx]

if it gives us a bigger talent pool to sort through before okaying them for fighter pilot duties, why not..

during the Afghan war, northern alliance warlords would taunt the taliban by broadcasting the radio chatter between US special forces and their air support, sometimes there were women in F-15s "haha, we have women bombing you " they'd go

I'll bet that hurt those dispicable savages' egos as much as the actual bomb shockwave/shrapnel

good luck, ladies, about time.. and make us proud

 

[xperia]

I have yet to see a cricket match with one team comprising of 11 men and the other one comprising of 5 women and 6 men.
It's really stupid to induct ladies in frontline arms

 

[ayesha.a]

i think pakistani already has female fighter pilots.

Yes, they do:

In an F-16:

 

[jamahir]

In an F-16:

i don't care about fighter planes in both countries, but i certainly want to offer her a cup of tea.

 

[Abingdonboy]

I have yet to see a cricket match with one team comprising of 11 men and the other one comprising of 5 women and 6 men.
It's really stupid to induct ladies in frontline arms

Equipment (fighter jets) will be the equalisers . Flying fighters jets today is not all about physical ability but about managing systems and here females are ever bit as capable as men.

I have no doubts in the IAF's ability to make anyone (regardless of gender) eligible for fighter training to be a world class fighter jockey but I hope this isn't just tokenism and due consideration has been given to the operational and training implications of this move.

Having said that, I am looking forward to June 2017 to see some budding pilots realise their dreams. Now all children of India can aspire to touch the skies with glory

 

[Shinigami]

i think pakistani already has female fighter pilots.

its a lot easier for pakistan, paf is defensive so the planes get shot down in your territory. iaf is offensive in doctrine so they are more likely to get captured if shot down

 

[xperia]

Equipment (fighter jets) will be the equalisers . Flying fighters jets today is not all about physical ability but about managing systems and here females are ever bit as capable as men.

I have no doubts in the IAF's ability to make anyone (regardless of gender) eligible for fighter training to be a world class fighter jockey but I hope this isn't just tokenism and due consideration has been given to the operational and training implications of this move.

Having said that, I am looking forward to June 2017 to see some budding pilots realise their dreams. Now all children of India can aspire to touch the skies with glory

When fighter jet will be shot down your pilot won't be able to run even for 200 meters. The enemy civilians and police wont be offering her a cup of tea. Actual war is a whole different ball game as compare to routine fighter flying ,exercises and aerobatics. When a real bullets fly past your head even men some times loose control over their sphincters.

 

[Shinigami]

what??? how does this even matter?

female pows have 10 times the value during negotiations