The Indian Navy proudly celebrated the graduation of the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam. On July 3, Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull and Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia received the prestigious ‘Wings of Gold’ from Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, ACNS (Air).
Notably, SLt Astha Poonia became the first woman to be streamed into the Fighter stream of Naval Aviation, breaking barriers and paving the way for a new era of women fighter pilots in the Navy.
The Indian Navy has already inducted women officers as Pilots and Naval Air Operations Officers in MR aircraft and helicopters. The streaming of SLt Astha Poonia into the Fighter Stream underscores the Navy’s commitment to gender inclusivity in Naval Aviation and its promotion of Nari Shakti, fostering a culture of equality and opportunity.
