Wing Commander Shivangi Singh, India’s first and only woman Rafale fighter pilot, has reached another historic milestone in her distinguished career by joining the Indian Air Force’s elite training establishment. The decorated combat aviator will now play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of India’s fighter pilots, marking a powerful transition from frontline operations to leadership and mentorship.
Originally from Varanasi, Wing Commander Singh has been inducted into the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer fleet, where she will train young pilots transitioning to high-performance fighter aircraft. This responsibility places her at the heart of the Indian Air Force’s combat training ecosystem, ensuring that future aviators are prepared for the demanding realities of modern aerial warfare.
Commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 2017 as part of the second batch of women fighter pilots, Shivangi Singh began her operational journey flying the MiG-21 Bison—one of the most challenging and demanding aircraft in the IAF’s inventory. Her early years were defined by high-pressure missions and intense operational flying, laying the foundation for her future achievements.
In 2020, she was inducted into the Rafale squadron at Ambala Air Force Station, becoming the only woman pilot to be trained on the Rafale fighter jet during its induction phase. Since then, she has participated in high-tempo missions, major air force exercises, and frontline operational deployments, earning a reputation for precision, discipline, and exceptional flying skills.
Her experience also includes participation in prestigious national events, including the Rafale sortie conducted for President Droupadi Murmu, where she served as part of the operational squadron. This year, she further enhanced her credentials by successfully completing the highly selective and demanding Flying Instructor Course at Air Force Station Tambaram—one of the toughest training programs for military aviators in India.
With her transition into a training role, Wing Commander Shivangi Singh brings invaluable operational insight, leadership, and combat experience to India’s future fighter pilots. Her journey stands as a symbol of the Indian Air Force’s evolving ethos—where excellence, capability, and courage define opportunity.
