First Woman Pilot Wins FOCINC(East) Trophy at Indian Navy Helicopter Training School Graduation
Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu, June 2026: In a significant ceremony at INS Rajali, six young officers of the Indian Navy have joined the ranks of elite rotary-wing aviators following their graduation from the Helicopter Training School (HTS). These officers were presented with the prestigious "Golden Wings" during a notable Passing Out Parade, symbolizing their transition from trainees to qualified naval helicopter pilots.
The event was overseen by Vice Admiral Susheel Menon, Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command, who conferred the Golden Wings to the new aviators. The ceremony celebrated the completion of the 106th Helicopter Conversion Course, conducted under Indian Naval Air Squadron 561 at the Helicopter Training School. This course involved an intensive 22-week program dedicated to both flying and ground subjects.
Sub Lieutenant Ahona Majumdar made history at the event by becoming the first woman rotary-wing pilot to receive the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Rolling Trophy for achieving first place in the Order of Merit in Flying. Her accomplishment marks a significant milestone for women in Indian naval aviation, reflecting the increasing involvement of women in challenging operational roles within the armed forces.
The FOCINC(East) Rolling Trophy is awarded to the pilot who excels in flying merit. By securing this esteemed award, Sub Lieutenant Majumdar has distinguished herself among her peers, setting a new standard of professional excellence for future women aviators in the Indian Navy.
The Passing Out Parade at INS Rajali was a moment of pride for the Indian Navy, the instructors at HTS, and the families of the graduating officers. The Golden Wings signify a pilot’s successful entry into the demanding realm of naval aviation, where precision, bravery, technical expertise, and operational discipline are crucial.
Lieutenant Arun Kumar received the Governor of Kerala Rolling Trophy for ranking first in the overall Order of Merit, while Lieutenant Shivam Singh was awarded the Sub Lieutenant Kunte Memorial Book Prize for excelling in ground subjects. These honors highlighted the comprehensive success of the course and the high standards upheld by the training institution.
The Helicopter Training School at INS Rajali has been pivotal in developing generations of rotary-wing pilots for the Indian Navy and other services. With a legacy spanning over five decades, HTS has trained more than 900 pilots from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and allied foreign nations.
The newly certified pilots will now proceed to frontline naval units, where they will undertake various operational roles. Naval helicopters are essential for maritime reconnaissance, surveillance, search and rescue, anti-piracy efforts, humanitarian assistance, casualty evacuation, and fleet support operations. Their role is particularly vital in the Indian Ocean Region, where the Indian Navy maintains a constant operational presence.
INS Rajali, located in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu, is a premier air station of the Indian Navy and a crucial hub for naval aviation training. The induction of six new pilots from HTS enhances the Naval Air Arm's operational capability amid increasingly complex maritime security challenges.
Sub Lieutenant Ahona Majumdar's achievement adds a remarkable chapter to the Indian Navy’s ongoing efforts towards greater gender inclusion in combat and operational aviation roles. Her success is set to motivate many young women aspiring to serve the nation in uniform and take to the skies for the Navy.
As these six pilots embrace their new responsibilities, the Indian Navy extended wishes for safe flying and successful landings, honoring their dedication, discipline, and commitment to service. The ceremony at INS Rajali was more than a graduation parade; it was a testament to the Navy’s commitment to excellence, professionalism, and future-ready maritime aviation.
