Meet Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia: First Woman to Enter Indian Navy’s Fighter Pilot Stream and Earn ‘Wings of Gold’

In a landmark achievement for the Indian Navy and the broader cause of gender inclusivity in India’s armed forces, Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia (also spelled Astha Poonia) became the first woman officer to be streamed into the fighter stream of naval aviation. On 3 July 2025, she was awarded the prestigious ‘Wings of Gold’ during the graduation ceremony of the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam. This milestone not only underscores her exceptional dedication and skill but also represents a significant step forward in expanding combat roles for women in naval aviation.

Early Life and Background

Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia hails from Hisawada village in the Khekada tehsil of Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh, in the Meerut region. Born into a non-military family of Jat community background with ancestral roots in Hisar, Haryana, she developed an early fascination with aircraft while growing up in her rural village. Her father, Arun Poonia, is a mathematics teacher at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Sardhana, Meerut. Her mother, Sanyogita Chaudhary, serves as a primary school principal in Baghra, Muzaffarnagar. She has a younger brother, Harshvardhan, who is currently a student. At approximately 24 years of age during her winging ceremony in 2025, Sub Lieutenant Poonia comes from a family that values education and discipline, though none of her immediate relatives had prior military service.

From a young age, Poonia exhibited academic excellence and a strong sense of purpose. She is described as a consistent topper throughout her schooling, which laid a solid foundation for her future endeavours.

Education and the Decision to Serve

Sub Lieutenant Poonia completed her schooling at S.D. Inter College in Civil Lines, Muzaffarnagar, where she pursued the Non-Medical stream in Class 12. She went on to earn a B.Tech degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Banasthali Vidyapith in Rajasthan (batch 2019–2023). The institution’s disciplined environment and emphasis on national service are credited with nurturing her aspirations toward a career in the armed forces. During her undergraduate studies, she gained valuable experience through internships at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and two stints at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE).

Following graduation, Poonia secured a high-paying position at a multinational corporation in Hyderabad, with an annual package of approximately ₹21 lakh. However, after just one month, she resigned to pursue her passion for aviation and national service. This decisive step reflects her commitment to a higher calling, prioritising duty over financial gain. She joined the Indian Navy through the Short Service Commission (SSC) route in the aviation branch.

Rigorous Training Journey

Sub Lieutenant Poonia’s training pathway was comprehensive and demanding, designed to prepare her for the elite demands of naval aviation:

• Initial Officer Training: She underwent basic military and naval training at the Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala, Kerala.
• Basic Flying Training: She proceeded to the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal for foundational flying instruction on the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II aircraft.
• Advanced Jet Training: She completed the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course at INS Dega in Visakhapatnam on the Hawk 132 Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT).

On 3 July 2025, she graduated alongside Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull. Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air), presented her with the ‘Wings of Gold’ in a ceremony that marked her official qualification as a naval aviator. The Indian Navy’s official statement highlighted: “Sub Lt Aastha Poonia becomes the first woman to be streamed into the fighter stream of naval aviation – shattering barriers and paving the way for a new era of women fighter pilots in the Navy.”

Prior to this, women officers in the Indian Navy’s aviation wing were restricted to maritime reconnaissance aircraft and helicopters. Poonia’s induction into the fighter stream opened new frontiers in operational roles.

Historic Significance and Future Prospects

This achievement aligns with the Indian Navy’s ongoing commitment to Nari Shakti and gender parity. It follows similar milestones in the Indian Air Force (where women fighter pilots were first inducted in 2016) and the Indian Army. Sub Lieutenant Poonia is now undergoing a year-long advanced training programme to qualify for operating frontline combat aircraft, including the MiG-29K and potentially the naval variant of the Rafale (Rafale-M). Upon completion, she is expected to operate from India’s aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.

Her journey symbolises resilience, excellence, and the breaking of traditional barriers. As the Navy expands its carrier air power, Sub Lieutenant Poonia stands poised to contribute meaningfully to India’s maritime defence capabilities. As of April 2026, she continues her advanced training phase, with no additional operational deployments publicly reported beyond this stage.

A Trailblazer for Future Generations

Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia’s story—from a village in Uttar Pradesh to the cockpit of a fighter jet—serves as an inspiring testament to determination and national service. Her success not only elevates the profile of women in the Indian armed forces but also encourages aspiring young women across the country to pursue careers in defence without limitation. In the words of naval officials, her induction paves the way for a more inclusive and capable naval aviation force.

The Indian Navy, through such progressive steps, reinforces its dedication to merit, equality, and operational excellence. Sub Lieutenant Poonia remains a role model, embodying the spirit of courage and professionalism that defines India’s defence personnel.