In a landmark achievement for both her hometown Meerut and the Indian Armed Forces, Sub Lieutenant Astha Poonia has become the first woman to enter the fighter pilot stream of the Indian Navy. This milestone marks a major shift toward gender inclusivity in front-line combat roles.
On 3 July 2025, at INS Dega in Visakhapatnam, Astha completed her Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course and was awarded the prestigious “Wings of Gold” by Rear Admiral Janak Bevli. She was honored alongside Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull.
Having trained on the Hawk Mk‑132 AJT, Aastha is now set for advanced training on MiG‑29K or possibly Rafale‑M jets, which operate from India’s INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant carriers.
While women had earlier been inducted into maritime reconnaissance and helicopter piloting, Aastha now becomes the first female combat pilot in Naval aviation, launching a new era for women in frontline combat roles.
Who Is Astha Poonia?
Born and raised in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Aastha hails from a humble family; her father teaches mathematics and her mother is a primary school educator. She earned a B.Tech in Computer Science from Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, after successfully clearing the CDS exam to join the Navy via Short Service Commission.
Her family celebrated in Meerut and neighboring Baghpat, with her father’s teaching community expressing immense pride.
Astha Poonia’s achievement is a historic blend of personal excellence and strategic progress for the Navy. She not only inspires countless girls in Meerut and across India but also sets a new benchmark for gender equality in combat roles.