Meet Inspector Bhawna Chaudhary: First Woman Flight Engineer in BSF Air Wing
In a groundbreaking development for India's paramilitary forces, Inspector Bhawna Chaudhary has etched her name in history as the first woman to serve as a flight engineer in the Border Security Force (BSF) air wing. This achievement, announced on October 12, 2025, comes after more than five decades since the air wing's inception in 1969, signaling a significant stride toward gender diversity in specialized aviation roles within the security sector. Chaudhary's qualification not only addresses a pressing operational need but also embodies the broader push for women's empowerment, often referred to as Nari Shakti, in India's defence and security apparatus.
The journey to this milestone began with a critical shortage of flight engineers specifically for the BSF's fleet of Mi-17 helicopters, which are essential for border patrols, disaster relief, and support to other elite units. While the Indian Air Force (IAF) had previously trained the inaugural batch of three subordinate officers, logistical and availability constraints prevented them from accommodating the subsequent group of five personnel, including Bhawna Chaudhary.
In response, the BSF sought and received approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to conduct an internal, ab-initio training program a first for the force in this domain. This two-month intensive course, commencing in August 2025, encompassed 130 hours of rigorous skill-building, blending theoretical knowledge with practical exposure. Trainees, under the guidance of seasoned BSF air wing instructors, participated in real-time operational sorties, including missions aiding flood-affected areas in Punjab and neighboring states, providing invaluable hands-on experience in high-stakes environments.
The culmination of this training was marked by a formal ceremony where Chaudhary and her four male counterparts were awarded their flying badges, also known as flying brevets, by BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chawdhary. This recognition not only validates their technical proficiency but also positions them to contribute directly to the air wing's missions, which include rapid deployment for counter-terrorism, natural disaster response, and VIP transport. Officials have underscored the strategic importance of this in-house capability, noting that it reduces dependency on external partners like the IAF and ensures a steady pipeline of qualified engineers for the Mi-17 fleet, which has been a bottleneck in operational readiness. As one anonymous official remarked in reports, "The BSF air wing has been facing a critical shortage of flight engineers in its Mi-17 helicopters fleet," highlighting how this batch's induction is a timely solution.
To appreciate the broader context, the BSF itself was established on December 1, 1965, evolving into a formidable force of approximately 300,000 personnel dedicated to safeguarding India's extensive borders with Pakistan (over 3,000 km) and Bangladesh (over 4,000 km), while also engaging in internal security operations such as anti-insurgency efforts and election duties. The air wing, integrated under the MHA since 1969, plays a pivotal role in enhancing these capabilities, operating a diverse fleet that extends beyond the Mi-17 series to include the Mi-17 V5 variants, Cheetah light utility helicopters, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv for multi-role tasks, and even a fixed-wing Embraer executive jet tailored for VIP movements. This unit not only bolsters BSF's own operations but also provides aerial support to allied forces like the National Security Guard (NSG) for counter-terrorism and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for emergency relief, making it an indispensable asset in India's security ecosystem.
Looking ahead, Chaudhary's role could pave the way for more women in aviation engineering within paramilitary forces, potentially influencing recruitment drives and training protocols.
