Who is Wing Commander Shivangi Singh, the Only Woman Flying the Rafale Fighter Jet?
Wing Commander Shivangi Singh serves with the 17 Squadron “Golden Arrows” based at Ambala Air Force Station, the first IAF base to house the Rafale fleet from Dassault Aviation. Known for her discipline, skill and calm demeanour, Singh represents a new era of women in combat roles.
Born and raised in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Shivangi’s fascination with aircraft began early. A childhood visit to the Air Force Museum in New Delhi left her determined to one day wear the blue uniform. She later graduated from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) before earning a place at the prestigious Air Force Academy in Hyderabad, where she underwent rigorous flight training.
Commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 2017 as part of the second batch of women fighter pilots, she initially flew the MiG-21 Bison, one of the most challenging jets to master. Her exceptional performance paved the way for her induction into the elite Rafale programme.
From MiG-21 to Rafale: How Shivangi Singh Trained to Fly One of the World’s Most Advanced Fighter Jets
Transitioning to the Rafale wasn’t merely a step up, it was a leap. Selected for the advanced conversion in 2020, Shivangi underwent extensive simulator training and tactical instruction under French experts.
Her training focused on the Rafale’s Thales RBE2 AESA radar, Spectra electronic warfare suite, and precision-strike systems, enabling her to adapt swiftly to the jet’s multi-role combat environment.
She has since represented India in international exercises such as ‘Orion 2023’ in France, showcasing the IAF’s growing global presence and interoperability with allied forces.
Her success in a field still dominated by men symbolises both skill and shift, a reflection of how the Indian Air Force continues to evolve with changing times.
False Claims During Operation Sindoor: The Rumour That Tested Her Resolve
During Operation Sindoor, when India conducted retaliatory air operations, misinformation spread on social media. Several pro-Pakistan handles falsely claimed that Shivangi Singh had been captured across the border.
The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check Unit quickly dismissed the rumour, confirming that “no Indian female Air Force pilot has been captured.”
The episode not only highlighted the intensity of modern information warfare but also underscored how public interest and emotion surround India’s women officers who break barriers in the defence forces.
President Murmu’s Historic Rafale Sortie from Ambala Air Base
On Wednesday, President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, became the first Indian President to take sorties in two different fighter aircraft, the Sukhoi-30 MKI in 2023 and now the Rafale in 2025.
The sortie lasted around 30 minutes, covering nearly 200 kilometres, reaching an altitude of 15,000 feet and a speed of about 700 km/h. It was piloted by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the Golden Arrows Squadron.
Following the flight, President Murmu wrote in the Air Force Station’s visitor book: “The sortie on Rafale is an unforgettable experience for me. This first flight on the potent Rafale aircraft has instilled in me a renewed sense of pride in the nation’s defence capabilities.”
Her words resonated deeply, symbolising the spirit of India’s growing self-confidence in its defence ecosystem.
Ambala Air Force Station: The Nerve Centre of India’s Rafale Fleet
Ambala Air Force Station remains a critical operational base for India’s air defence. It was the first station to receive Rafale aircraft from Dassault Aviation, marking a turning point in the Indian Air Force’s modernisation.
The Rafale fleet, equipped with cutting-edge avionics, long-range weaponry and adaptive combat capabilities, forms a major component of India’s air deterrence strategy.
A Symbol of Courage, Change and Commitment
Wing Commander Shivangi Singh’s story is not just about breaking the glass ceiling, it’s about redefining what’s possible.
From flying the MiG-21 to handling one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, her journey embodies resilience, precision and national pride.
Today, as President Murmu’s sortie captures headlines, it also shines a light on the young woman from Varanasi who continues to represent the spirit of India’s new-age warriors in the sky.
Inputs from agencies
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