Meet Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh: India’s 1st Woman Rafale Pilot and First Woman Fighter Pilot QFI

Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh stands as a trailblazer in Indian military aviation. She is the first woman pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF) to fly the advanced French-origin Rafale multi-role fighter jet and the first woman fighter pilot to qualify as a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI). Her career, marked by rigorous training, operational excellence, and historic milestones, reflects the growing integration of women into combat roles since the landmark policy changes of 2016.

Early Life and the Spark of Ambition

Born and raised in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Shivangi Singh developed a profound fascination with aviation during her childhood. A visit to the Indian Air Force Museum in New Delhi left a lasting impression; she was captivated by the legacy of combat aviation and resolved to pursue a career as a fighter pilot. She completed her schooling in Varanasi and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Active participation in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Air Wing further honed her discipline and aviation interest.

Her journey underscores the qualities of perseverance and focused ambition—attributes that resonate strongly with defence aspirants preparing for the Services Selection Board (SSB) process.

Commissioning into the Indian Air Force

Shivangi Singh was commissioned into the Indian Air Force on 16 December 2017. She belonged to the 47 SSC (W) FP Course (Short Service Commission – Women Fighter Pilot). She trained at the prestigious Air Force Academy (AFA) in Hyderabad and entered service as part of the second batch of women selected for the fighter stream.

This period marked a transformative phase for the IAF, as women officers began transitioning into combat flying roles previously reserved for male officers.

Building Foundations: The MiG-21 Era

Following commissioning, Squadron Leader Singh was posted to a forward operating base in Rajasthan. She initially flew the MiG-21 Bison, an upgraded Soviet-era fighter that demands exceptional handling skills and situational awareness. During this formative phase, she gained invaluable operational experience flying alongside seasoned pilots, including then-Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

Her early years on the MiG-21 honed the technical proficiency, quick decision-making, and mental resilience essential for high-performance fighter operations.

Making History: India’s First Woman Rafale Pilot

In 2020, after excelling in a highly competitive selection process, Shivangi Singh was chosen for conversion onto the Rafale fighter jet. The transition involved intensive simulator training and instruction from French experts, focusing on the aircraft’s advanced avionics, Thales RBE2 AESA radar, electronic warfare suite, and precision weaponry.

She became the first woman in the IAF to fly the Rafale and was assigned to the elite No. 17 Squadron “Golden Arrows” at Ambala Air Force Station—the IAF’s first operational Rafale unit. This posting placed her at the forefront of India’s modern combat air power.

Her achievement represented far more than a personal milestone; it symbolised the IAF’s commitment to merit-based inclusion and operational readiness in an era of advanced multi-role fighters.

Operation Sindoor and Resilience Under Scrutiny

In May 2025, Squadron Leader Singh played an active role in Operation Sindoor, India’s precision retaliatory strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack of 22 April 2025. Rafale jets from her squadron conducted high-value missions employing SCALP cruise missiles and HAMMER precision-guided munitions.

During this period, Pakistani propaganda accounts circulated false claims that her aircraft had been shot down and that she had been captured. These disinformation efforts were swiftly and categorically debunked by the Indian Air Force and independent fact-checkers. Squadron Leader Singh remained on active duty throughout.

The episode highlighted both the intensity of information warfare in modern conflicts and her continued operational commitment.

A Historic First: Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI)

In October 2025, Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh achieved another groundbreaking milestone. She completed the demanding six-month Qualified Flying Instructor course at the Flying Instructors’ School (FIS), Air Force Station Tambaram, Tamil Nadu. On 9 October 2025, during the valedictory ceremony of the 159th Qualified Flying Instructor Course (QFIC), she was awarded the prestigious QFI badge.

She became the first woman fighter pilot in IAF history to earn this qualification. While women officers from the helicopter stream had previously qualified as QFIs, no fighter pilot had achieved this distinction until her success. The honour was conferred among 59 officers from the IAF, Army, Navy, and friendly foreign air forces.

This accomplishment positions her not only as an exceptional operational pilot but also as a mentor capable of shaping the next generation of IAF fighter aviators.

Training the Next Generation and Current Role

Following her QFI qualification, Squadron Leader Singh transitioned into an instructional role. Reports indicate she is now contributing to the training of future IAF pilots, including work with the Hawk advanced jet trainer fleet. Her experience across legacy platforms (MiG-21) and cutting-edge fighters (Rafale) makes her uniquely qualified to impart both foundational skills and advanced tactical knowledge.

In late October 2025, she featured prominently when President Droupadi Murmu undertook a historic sortie in a Rafale fighter jet from Ambala Air Force Station. Photographs of Squadron Leader Singh with the President served as a powerful public affirmation of her active service and the IAF’s confidence in its women officers.

Significance and Inspiration for Defence Aspirants

Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh’s career trajectory offers profound lessons for young Indians aspiring to join the armed forces:

• Unwavering Focus: From a museum visit to the cockpit of a Rafale, her path demonstrates the power of long-term vision combined with disciplined execution.
• Adaptability and Excellence: Seamless transition across aircraft generations and selection for elite squadrons reflect continuous learning and high performance under pressure.
• Barrier-Breaking Leadership: As one of approximately 20 women fighter pilots in the IAF, she exemplifies how merit and perseverance open previously closed doors.
• Instructional Impact: Her current role as a QFI ensures that her expertise will multiply across future cohorts of pilots.

Conclusion

Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh has transformed from a determined young woman from Varanasi into a symbol of modern Indian air power. As India’s first woman Rafale pilot and first woman fighter pilot QFI, she has not only achieved personal excellence but has also paved the way for greater participation of women in combat aviation.

Her journey continues to inspire thousands of defence aspirants who dream of serving the nation in the sky. In an era where the IAF is modernising rapidly with platforms like the Rafale, her contributions—both in the cockpit and now as an instructor—will leave a lasting legacy.