Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) first and only woman Rafale fighter pilot, is setting her sights even higher — toward space. A symbol of India’s advancing military capabilities and gender inclusion, Singh now hopes to become one of the country’s first woman astronauts.
Hailing from the holy city of Varanasi, Shivangi’s fascination with flying began during a childhood visit to the Air Force Museum in New Delhi. “This is where it all started,” she said, recalling how she stood in awe of the aircraft and instantly knew she wanted to be a pilot.
Shivangi was commissioned into the IAF after women were inducted into fighter roles in 2015. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the first Indian woman to fly the French-origin Rafale — a symbol of India’s frontline airpower. In 2020, she was among the first selected for advanced Rafale simulator training under French instructors before piloting the aircraft solo.
Now 29, she balances a demanding career with her personal life — she is married to a fellow fighter pilot — and continues to break barriers in a field historically dominated by men. “My mother always told me to be independent. She supported me at every step,” Shivangi said.
India recently signed a fresh multi-billion dollar deal for 26 Rafale jets, reinforcing the fleet that already includes 36 of the fighter aircraft. These acquisitions come amid increasing regional tensions, including recent cross-border violence in Kashmir and ongoing concerns over China’s military assertiveness.
Despite these challenges, Singh’s focus remains clear — the sky is not the limit. With India preparing for its Gaganyaan manned space mission, she has applied for test pilot training and has expressed her aspiration to become an astronaut.
“I’ve succeeded in a field that was once off-limits to women,” she said. “If I can do it, any woman can — even in space.”
With over 1,600 women officers serving in the IAF and India boasting the world’s highest percentage of female commercial pilots, Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh continues to inspire a new generation — from the cockpit of a fighter jet to the dreams of orbiting the Earth.
