The Indian Navy marked a significant milestone with the graduation of 18 officers from the 104th Helicopter Conversion Course at INS Rajali. Among the graduates was Sub Lieutenant Siddhi Hemant Dubey, who made history by becoming the second woman to qualify as a helicopter pilot in the Indian Navy. The Passing Out Parade, held on June 9, underscored the Navy’s increasing commitment to inclusivity and operational readiness within maritime aviation.
During the ceremony, the officers were awarded the esteemed ‘Golden Wings’ by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command. Vice Admiral Pendharkar, a distinguished naval officer with a Master’s degree in Defence Studies from the University of Madras, congratulated the graduates on successfully completing a demanding 22-week training program. He articulated the crucial role these officers will undertake in various missions, including anti-piracy, maritime surveillance, and humanitarian aid and disaster response.
The training was conducted at the Helicopter Training School located within INS Rajali, recognized as one of Asia’s foremost naval air bases. The comprehensive course is meticulously designed to equip naval aviators for a broad spectrum of maritime operations. Sub Lieutenant Dubey’s achievement is particularly momentous, reflecting the advancements made under the Navy’s 2020 policy reforms, which have allowed women to take on combat and frontline assignments.
This graduation comes in the context of a significant expansion of naval aviation capabilities. Data from the Indian Ministry of Defence indicates that naval air operations have surged by 15% since 2020, mirroring India’s strategic focus on enhancing maritime security and force projection in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Navy’s commitment to increasing the number of women in key operational roles and continuously developing the skill sets of its pilots emphasizes its dedication to modernization, resilience, and representation. The ceremony not only celebrated the completion of a rigorous training regimen but also cast a hopeful lens on the future trajectory of Indian naval aviation.
