In recent years, the Indian Armed Forces have witnessed a remarkable increase in female participation, with women achieving historic milestones across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. According to data presented to the Lok Sabha, over 11,000 women are currently serving in the Armed Forces, with the Indian Army boasting the highest number.
As we honour the courage and commitment of the Indian Armed Forces, let us also take a look at these incredible women who have shattered glass ceilings and left an indelible mark on history.
Commander Prerna Deosthalee – The First Woman to Command a Naval Warship
Commander Prerna Deosthalee is the first woman officer to command an Indian naval warship, within the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet. Having joined the Navy in 2009, she is currently the First Lieutenant of INS Chennai, a guided-missile destroyer.
Originally from Mumbai, Commander Deosthalee's career has been full of firsts. She is also the first woman observer to serve aboard the Tupolev Tu-142, a maritime reconnaissance aircraft, before moving on to the P8I. She has been appointed as the commanding officer of INS Trinkat after undergoing pre-commission training. In addition to her remarkable professional career, she is a mother and wife, with her brother also serving in the Navy.
Squadron Leader Mohana Singh – First Woman Pilot in a Tejas Fighter Squadron
Squadron Leader Mohana Singh has become the first woman to serve as part of the elite Tejas fighter squadron of the Indian Air Force. One of the first three women fighter pilots to be commissioned into the IAF in 2016, she now flies with the No 18 'Flying Bullets' Squadron. Previously, she was part of the No 3 Squadron, flying MiG-21 Bisons.
Hailing from Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan, Squadron Leader Singh comes from a family steeped in military service. Her father is a retired Master Warrant Officer in the IAF, and her late grandfather was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra. Inspired by her family's legacy, Singh pursued her dream of becoming a fighter pilot from a young age, and she continues to soar to new heights in her career.
Group Captain Shaliza Dhami – First Woman to Command a Frontline Combat Unit
Group Captain Shaliza Dhami has become the first woman in the Indian Air Force to lead a frontline combat unit, having taken charge of a missile squadron in the western sector. This ground-breaking achievement highlights her skills and leadership qualities.
Commissioned as a helicopter pilot in 2003, Group Captain Dhami has clocked over 2,800 hours of flying experience. She was also the first woman to serve as flight commander of a flying unit and led a Chetak helicopter unit at the Hindon air base. Throughout her career, she has received two commendations from the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief. Born in Ludhiana, Dhami was inspired to join the Air Force during her time as a cadet in the National Cadet Corps (NCC). She is married to Vineet Joshi, a fellow helicopter pilot in the Air Force.
Captain Shiva Chauhan – First Woman Officer Deployed at Siachen
Captain Shiva Chauhan made history by becoming the first woman officer to be operationally deployed at Siachen, the world's highest and coldest battlefield. She is stationed at the Kumar Post, at an altitude of over 15,000 feet, where she leads a team tasked with combat engineering duties in extreme conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as -60°C.
A civil engineering graduate from Udaipur, Rajasthan, Captain Chauhan is a Bengal Sapper officer. Her deployment marks a significant milestone for women in the Indian Army, where no female officer had been posted in Siachen in the 40 years since Operation Meghdoot was launched to secure the glacier.
Subedar Preeti Rajak – First Woman to Attain the Rank of Subedar in the Indian Army
In a historic achievement, Havildar Preeti Rajak has become the first woman in the Indian Army to be promoted to the rank of Subedar. A talented trap shooter, Rajak's journey began in December 2022, when she joined the Corps of Military Police. Her impressive performance at the 19th Asian Games, where she secured a silver medal in the Trap Women's Team Event, earned her an out-of-turn promotion to Subedar.
Rajak’s accomplishment exemplifies the increasing opportunities for women in the Armed Forces and highlights their growing contribution to India's military excellence.
These trailblazing women have paved the way for future generations, showcasing that with determination and skill, gender is no barrier to success in the Armed Forces. Their stories not only inspire women across the nation but also represent a broader commitment within the military to embrace diversity and inclusivity in leadership and combat roles.