World · India Bureau
Women pilots break new ground at IAF's Tarang Shakti exercise
The multilateral air combat exercise in Jodhpur has set a new benchmark for female participation from the Indian Air Force in an international military event. The milestone underscores the expanding presence of women in India's armed forces.
LSN India ·
The Tarang Shakti exercise, currently underway in Jodhpur, has achieved a historic milestone with the largest-ever deployment of women pilots from the Indian Air Force participating in an international air combat drill, according to defence officials on Monday.
The multilateral exercise brings together air forces from multiple nations for joint operations and training. The record participation of IAF women pilots in this platform reflects a broader shift in India's defence establishment toward greater gender integration across combat roles.
The presence of female aviators in international military exercises demonstrates the IAF's commitment to expanding opportunities for women personnel in operational and strategic roles. Defence analysts say such participation also signals India's readiness to leverage talent regardless of gender in its military capabilities.
The exercise serves as a training ground for pilots from participating nations to engage in coordinated aerial operations, test new tactics, and strengthen interoperability among allied air forces. The inclusion of women pilots at this scale represents both a recognition of their capabilities and a statement about evolving defence sector practices in the region.