The Indian Army achieved a significant milestone as Major Jagmeet Kaur and Major Isha Thakur became the first women to receive the title of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) instructors. The momentous occasion took place at the Combat Army Aviation Training School (CAATS) in Nashik, where the officers were awarded the prestigious Instructors Badge after completing the rigorous RPAS Instructors Course.
The recognition ceremony at CAATS was attended by various senior military officers and dignitaries, marking a historic moment in the force’s evolution. A notable photograph captured the essence of the event, showing the two pioneering officers accompanied by their fellow soldiers, gathered around a ceremonial table adorned in red cloth with a lamp symbolizing enlightenment and achievement at its center. This was complemented by a helicopter stationed nearby and a stunning backdrop of the Red Fort, emphasizing the grandeur of the celebration.
Major Jagmeet Kaur, hailed as a fourth-generation Army officer, and Major Isha Thakur have forged a path in a sector historically dominated by men. Their accomplishments underscore the Indian Army’s vision for greater gender inclusion, reflecting the national commitment to women’s empowerment as outlined in the Nari Shakti initiative. Their success is seen as a landmark achievement in creating a more inclusive and future-ready defense force.
The Army Training Command (ARTRAC) recognized the importance of this event, describing it as a significant leap in empowering women within the realm of military aviation. The legacy continues to strengthen with each milestone, following the trail paved by figures like Captain Abhilasha Barak, who, in 2022, became the first woman combat aviator in the Army Aviation Corps.
CAATS holds a prominent position as a center of excellence for military aviation training, preparing officers in contemporary aerial warfare, operational concepts, and doctrine development. Under the leadership of Officiating Commandant Brigadier Satyavir Shokeen, CAATS continues to adapt the Indian Army to the challenges posed by modern warfare. The induction of women instructors into RPAS training enriches the school’s legacy while enhancing the role of the Army Aviation Corps as a crucial component of military strength.
This breakthrough aligns with a broader global trend of increasing female representation in military aviation. India has seen remarkable progress, exemplified by figures like Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh, the nation’s first female Rafale pilot, and Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi, one of the first women to engage in combat roles on fighter aircraft. The achievements of Major Kaur and Major Thakur now add another inspiring chapter to this narrative of pioneering efforts.
Public response to this announcement has been overwhelmingly supportive, with widespread praise for the dedication, resilience, and excellence displayed by the two officers. As India progresses in modernizing and diversifying its armed forces, the accomplishments of these trailblazing women are likely to inspire a new generation of aspirants committed to serving the nation with pride and purpose.
The Indian Army’s commitment to gender diversity, exemplified by this historic occasion, echoes a broader national ethos focused on equal opportunity, capability-driven roles, and the transformative potential of inclusion within the defense sector.
