NEW DELHI: Wing Commander Shivangi Singh, India’s only woman Rafale pilot, has drawn national attention once again after President Droupadi Murmu met her during her historic sortie in the Rafale fighter jet on Wednesday. Singh, who flies the French-made multirole combat aircraft from the Ambala Air Force Station, is part of the elite Golden Arrows squadron.Also read | ‘Unforgettable experience’: President Murmu takes sortie in Rafale fighter jet – see pics
President Murmu, the first Indian President to take sorties in two fighter aircraft — the Sukhoi-30 MKI in 2023 and now the Rafale — described the experience as “unforgettable”, saying it filled her with renewed pride in India’s defence capabilities. The 30-minute flight, covering nearly 200 km at 15,000 ft and about 700 km/h, was piloted by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron.Journey to becoming a fighter pilot Hailing from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Shivangi Singh was inspired to pursue aviation after visiting the Air Force Museum in New Delhi as a child. After completing her schooling in Varanasi, she graduated from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) before joining the Indian Air Force Academy (AFA) in Hyderabad for her rigorous training. Commissioned into the IAF in 2017 as part of the second batch of women fighter pilots, Singh initially flew the MiG-21 Bison, mastering the complex handling of high-speed jets. In 2020, she was selected for Rafale training, which included advanced simulator sessions and tactical instruction from French experts, focusing on the jet’s Thales RBE2 AESA radar and precision-strike systems. Singh’s determination and performance in a traditionally male-dominated domain have made her a symbol of the IAF’s transformation. She represents India in international exercises such as Orion 2023 in France and continues to inspire young women aspiring to join combat forces.President Murmu’s Rafale Sortie After her flight, President Murmu wrote in the Air Force Station’s visitor book: “The sortie on Rafale is an unforgettable experience for me. This first flight on the potent Rafale aircraft has instilled in me a renewed sense of pride in the nation’s defence capabilities.” The Ambala Air Force Station — the first base in India to receive Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation — continues to serve as a key operational hub for India’s air defence readiness.(With agency inputs)
