Squadron Leader Mohana Singh Joins Elite ‘Flying Bullets’ Squadron with LCA Tejas
Jodhpur (Rajasthan) [India], September 17: Squadron Leader Mohana Singh has made history by becoming the first woman fighter pilot to join the elite 18 ‘Flying Bullets’ squadron, which operates India’s indigenously made LCA Tejas fighter jets. Singh, one of the first female fighter pilots in India, has once again shattered glass ceilings, highlighting the Indian Air Force’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment.
Recently, she participated in the ‘Tarang Shakti’ exercise in Jodhpur, where she was part of a historic flight involving three Vice Chiefs of the Indian armed forces. During this exercise, she instructed the Army and Navy Vice Chiefs on flying the LCA Tejas fighter jet and helped them prepare for the flight. Indian Air Force Vice Chief, Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, flew solo in the LCA Tejas fighter variant, while the other two Vice Chiefs, Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani and Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, flew the trainer variants with two fighter pilots.
Before joining the LCA squadron, Singh flew MiG-21s and was recently posted to the Naliya air base in Gujarat, near the Pakistan border. Her fellow female fighter pilots, Squadron Leaders Bhawna Kanth and Avni Chaturvedi, are now flying Su-30 MKI fighter jets in the western desert.
The ‘Tarang Shakti’ exercise, which took place at the Jodhpur air base, was a significant event that showcased the Indian Air Force’s support for the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The exercise saw participation from top air forces around the world, including the US, Greece, Sri Lanka, and Australia, with their advanced fighter jets.
As of now, the Indian Air Force has around 20 women fighter pilots, following the government’s decision to open the fighter stream for women in 2016.
Doubts Revealed
Squadron Leader -: A Squadron Leader is a rank in the Indian Air Force. It’s like being a captain of a team, but for pilots.
Mohana Singh -: Mohana Singh is a woman who flies fighter planes for the Indian Air Force. She is one of the first female fighter pilots in India.
Flying Bullets -: The ‘Flying Bullets’ is a special group of fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force. They are very skilled and fly advanced planes.
LCA Tejas -: LCA Tejas is a type of fighter jet made in India. LCA stands for Light Combat Aircraft.
Tarang Shakti -: Tarang Shakti is a military exercise where different parts of the Indian military practice working together. It helps them get better at their jobs.
Vice Chiefs -: Vice Chiefs are high-ranking officers in the military. They help lead the Army and Navy.
MiG-21s -: MiG-21s are older fighter jets that were used by the Indian Air Force. They are fast and have been used for many years.
Naliya air base -: Naliya air base is a place where fighter jets and pilots are stationed. It’s like their home and workplace.
Indian Air Force -: The Indian Air Force is the part of India’s military that flies planes. They protect the country from the sky.
gender equality -: Gender equality means treating everyone the same, whether they are boys or girls. It means giving everyone the same chances.
Make in India -: Make in India is a program by the Indian government to encourage people to make things in India. It helps create jobs and supports the economy.
