Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh: India’s First Woman Rafale Pilot Leads with Pride at Aero India 2025

Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh: India’s First Woman Rafale Pilot Soars to New Heights

Bengaluru, India – May 2025

Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh, India’s first and only woman Rafale fighter pilot, continues to make history as she leads the Indian Air Force into a new era of empowerment, technology, and global collaboration. A symbol of perseverance, courage, and trailblazing leadership, Singh is once again in the spotlight as she prepares to lead the prestigious 'Shakti' formation at Aero India 2025.

Leading the ‘Shakti’ Formation at Aero India 2025

Set to take place in Bengaluru, Aero India 2025 is one of Asia’s premier aerospace exhibitions. Among the many highlights this year is the all-women-led ‘Shakti’ formation, comprising a Rafale and two Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets. Flight Lieutenant Singh will be flying the lead Rafale, commanding the skies in a formation that represents the strength and rise of women in combat roles.

The ‘Shakti’ formation symbolizes not just technological prowess, but also gender inclusion and the increasing presence of women in traditionally male-dominated military arenas. Singh’s participation underscores the Indian Air Force’s efforts to promote gender diversity while maintaining operational excellence.

Early Life and Training

Born in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Shivangi Singh was drawn to the armed forces from an early age. A graduate of Banaras Hindu University, she joined the Indian Air Force in 2017 as part of its second batch of women fighter pilots.

Initially posted to fly the MiG-21 Bison — known for its demanding flying characteristics — Singh quickly earned respect for her skills, determination, and professionalism. Her transition to flying the cutting-edge Rafale multirole fighter made headlines and solidified her place in India’s military aviation history.

Role in International Exercises and LAC Operations

Singh is part of the Golden Arrows squadron based in Ambala, Haryana — one of the first squadrons to be equipped with Rafale fighters. Her involvement in multinational air combat exercises such as 'Exercise Orion' in France has demonstrated India’s growing interoperability with global forces. During the exercise, Singh flew combat sorties alongside air forces from France, the United States, and other European nations, gaining valuable experience in diverse operational environments.

Back home, Singh has also been deployed in missions near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) amid ongoing regional tensions. Her participation in these high-altitude operations shows the level of trust the Indian Air Force places in her capabilities. According to senior IAF officials, Singh has “performed all missions with precision and composure,” even in the most challenging terrains.

Awards and Recognition

In 2023, Singh was honored at the ETPrime Women Leadership Awards in the Services category, which recognized outstanding women in defense, law enforcement, and public service. Her award citation praised her for being “a role model for the next generation of aviators” and for her “grace under pressure in combat and training scenarios.”

Beyond the medals and missions, Singh has become a national icon, particularly for young women aspiring to break societal norms and serve in elite combat roles.

Inspiring Future Generations

Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh’s journey is more than a story of firsts. It is a blueprint for young Indians, especially women, who dare to dream beyond barriers. Her message to aspiring pilots is clear: “The uniform knows no gender. Only hard work, discipline, and courage matter in the sky.”

She frequently interacts with students and cadets through Air Force outreach programs, encouraging them to pursue careers in science, aviation, and the defense services. Her presence alone has had a ripple effect, contributing to a steady rise in women enrolling in the National Defence Academy and other military institutions.

A Symbol of Modern India

In an era where India is rapidly expanding its defense capabilities and global partnerships, Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh stands as a symbol of a changing India — confident, inclusive, and forward-looking. Her story resonates far beyond the Air Force tarmacs. It speaks to the spirit of transformation, not only in defense policy but also in national identity.

As she continues her journey at the helm of some of the world’s most sophisticated aircraft, Singh remains grounded in her mission: to serve the nation with valor, professionalism, and pride.