In a landmark achievement for women in combat aviation, Squadron Leader Priya Sharma has officially joined the prestigious No. 18 Squadron of the Indian Air Force (IAF). By becoming the second female fighter pilot to fly the indigenously developed LCA Tejas, she is paving the way for greater gender inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Squadron Leader Sharma follows in the footsteps of Squadron Leader Mohana Singh Jitarwal, who made history in September 2024 as the first woman to operate the Tejas with the “Flying Bullets” squadron, based at Naliya Air Force Station in Gujarat.
Commendable Career Path
As the seventh woman fighter pilot commissioned in the IAF, Sqn Ldr Priya Sharma has displayed remarkable professionalism and operational competence. Her transition to the technology-advanced Tejas platform showcases not only her personal accomplishments but also reflects the Air Force’s commitment to modernization and the development of indigenous defense systems.
Her Roots and Inspirations
Originating from Jhunjhunu district in Rajasthan, a region renowned for its military heritage, Sharma is the third woman fighter pilot from the area. Her passion for aviation was ignited early on, inspired by her father, who serves as an IAF officer. While he was stationed at Bidar Air Force Station, Priya’s fascination for aircraft like Jaguars and Hawks blossomed, motivating her to pursue a career in military aviation.
Training and Experience
Commissioned in December 2018 from the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, she distinguished herself as the only woman fighter pilot in her batch. She trained on legacy platforms, including the MiG-21 Bison, and played a notable role during the ceremonial farewell of the MiG-21, marking an important transition in the IAF’s history. This experience on high-performance fighter jets has provided a solid foundation for her transition to the cutting-edge Tejas.
Induction into the Tejas Squadron
Having gained sufficient operational experience, Sqn Ldr Priya Sharma’s induction into the No. 18 Squadron represents a significant step forward in uplifting the role of women in frontline combat roles. It also signifies a strengthening of indigenous aviation capabilities and enhances the diversity and operational capacity of the IAF.
Broader Significance
The successful integration of officers like Sqn Ldr Priya Sharma and Sqn Ldr Mohana Singh Jitarwal into the IAF symbolizes the organization’s evolving attitude toward inclusivity and capability enhancement. Their accomplishments inspire countless young women across India to explore careers in defense and aviation, fostering a new generation of female aviators.
Conclusion
With the addition of Priya Sharma as its second woman Tejas pilot, the Indian Air Force has reiterated its commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat while simultaneously promoting gender inclusion. Her presence not only strengthens the IAF’s combat capabilities but also underscores the importance of skilled and motivated officers in protecting and serving the nation.
