Sub-Lieutenant Astha Poonia has officially become the first woman in Indian Navy history to enter the fighter pilot stream, marking a groundbreaking step for gender representation in the armed forces. She was awarded the distinguished ‘Wings of Gold’ by Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air), during the graduation ceremony of the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course held at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam.
Astha’s accomplishment not only breaks barriers but also paves the way for more women in military aviation. Alongside her, Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull also received the honor, both now fully qualified to serve in advanced aerial combat roles.
Meanwhile, India’s Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved 10 major capital acquisition projects, collectively worth about $12.6 billion, aimed at significantly strengthening national defense. These approvals come in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s measured but powerful retaliation against the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians.
The operation targeted terrorist facilities across the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir region without crossing international borders. It emphasized India’s evolving strategy: precision-led, tri-service coordination backed by technological superiority.
In response, the DAC cleared several critical projects, including Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile systems, Electronic Warfare Systems, Mine Countermeasure Vessels, Autonomous Submersibles, and Armored Recovery Vehicles. These procurements will help protect naval and commercial vessels, reinforce air defense, and improve supply chain coordination across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The QRSAM project, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), is especially notable. With a range of up to 30 kilometers and a price tag of around $3.5 billion, the system enhances the Army’s ability to respond swiftly to aerial threats. Three aircraft from global manufacturers will be acquired and then upgraded by DRDO and private Indian firms to meet specific operational requirements.
Astha Poonia’s induction into the fighter stream, combined with India’s renewed investment in defense technology and indigenous manufacturing, reflects a broader vision—one that champions inclusion, strategic strength, and self-reliance.
India’s future in defense is being reshaped—with trailblazing leadership, bold military action, and cutting-edge innovation leading the way.
