Meet Sub Lieutenant Ahona Majumdar: 1st Woman Rotary-Wing Pilot to Top Flying Merit in Indian Navy

Sub Lieutenant Ahona Majumdar has etched her name in the annals of Indian naval aviation history. As the first woman rotary-wing pilot to secure the top position in flying merit, she was awarded the prestigious Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command (FOC-in-C East) Rolling Trophy during the Passing Out Parade of the 106th Helicopter Conversion Course at the Helicopter Training School (HTS), INS Rajali, Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu.

Her achievement, accomplished in June 2026, represents a significant milestone in the Indian Navy’s progressive journey toward greater gender inclusion in combat and operational flying roles. It underscores the service’s commitment to excellence, meritocracy, and the expanding participation of women officers in demanding operational domains.

The Historic Achievement

On a proud day for the Indian Navy, six young officers formally transitioned into the elite fraternity of naval helicopter pilots. They were awarded the coveted “Golden Wings” at a solemn Passing Out Parade reviewed by Vice Admiral Susheel Menon, Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command.

Sub Lieutenant Ahona Majumdar stood first in the Order of Merit in Flying during the intensive 22-week Helicopter Conversion Course conducted under Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 561. This earned her the FOC-in-C East Rolling Trophy — an honour previously not bestowed upon a woman rotary-wing aviator.

The FOC-in-C East Rolling Trophy is awarded to the trainee pilot demonstrating the highest standards of flying proficiency. By topping the flying merit, Sub Lt Majumdar not only distinguished herself among her coursemates but also set a new benchmark of professional excellence for future women aviators in the Indian Navy.

Fellow graduates were also recognised for their performance:

• Lieutenant Arun Kumar received the Governor of Kerala Rolling Trophy for securing first place in the overall Order of Merit.
• Lieutenant Shivam Singh was awarded the Sub Lieutenant Kunte Memorial Book Prize for topping the ground subjects segment.

The ceremony celebrated the successful completion of rigorous training that prepares officers for the multifaceted challenges of naval helicopter operations.

Her Journey to Naval Aviation

Sub Lieutenant Ahona Majumdar hails from Nagpur, Maharashtra, and comes from a distinguished defence family. She is the proud daughter of 4 Gorkha Rifles (4 GR), Indian Army. Her selection into the Indian Navy reflects both personal merit and the opportunities available to young aspirants from military backgrounds.

She was recommended by the Naval Selection Board (NSB) Vizag on 17 August 2023 and was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant in the Aviation Specialisation (Pilot) – Executive Branch. In June 2024, she featured among three accomplished young women from Nagpur who successfully cleared the Staff Selection Board (SSB) and received call letters to join the armed forces.

Her path to the cockpit was paved with consistent excellence across multiple domains. Prior to commissioning, she demonstrated exceptional versatility through her achievements in sports and the performing arts. She has represented India in rowing under the Khelo India scheme and participated in national-level swimming competitions. She also holds a brown belt in karate and has trained in the classical Indian dance form of Odissi. These accomplishments highlight the all-round development and discipline that are hallmarks of successful defence aspirants.

Training at INS Rajali: Forging Naval Aviators

The Helicopter Training School at INS Rajali, Arakkonam, is the Indian Navy’s premier institution for rotary-wing pilot training. With a legacy spanning more than five decades, HTS has trained over 900 pilots for the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and personnel from friendly foreign nations.

The 106th Helicopter Conversion Course provided Sub Lt Majumdar and her coursemates with comprehensive instruction in both flying skills and ground subjects. The curriculum emphasises precision, situational awareness, technical proficiency, and operational discipline — qualities essential for naval helicopter pilots who operate in diverse and often challenging maritime environments.

Upon graduation, the newly qualified pilots are prepared to undertake a wide spectrum of missions, including maritime reconnaissance and surveillance, search and rescue operations, anti-piracy patrols, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, casualty evacuation, and fleet support operations across the Indian Ocean Region.

A Milestone for Women in Indian Naval Aviation

Sub Lieutenant Ahona Majumdar’s success adds a meaningful chapter to the Indian Navy’s ongoing efforts to integrate women into combat and operational roles. Her achievement as the first woman rotary-wing pilot to top flying merit and receive the FOC-in-C East Rolling Trophy serves as both recognition of individual excellence and inspiration for countless young women who aspire to serve the nation in uniform.

The Indian Navy has progressively expanded opportunities for women officers across various branches, including aviation. Milestones such as this reinforce the service’s commitment to merit-based advancement and the belief that professional competence knows no gender.

Her story is particularly resonant for defence aspirants preparing for the SSB and those pursuing careers in the armed forces. It demonstrates that dedication, rigorous preparation, diverse talents, and an unwavering commitment to excellence can overcome traditional barriers.

Looking Ahead: Safe Flying and Greater Heights

As Sub Lieutenant Ahona Majumdar and her fellow graduates step into their operational roles, the Indian Navy has extended its best wishes for safe flying and happy landings. They carry forward the proud traditions of naval aviation while contributing to the service’s mission of safeguarding India’s maritime interests.

The Golden Wings they now wear symbolise not only the successful completion of training but also the beginning of a career defined by courage, precision, technical mastery, and selfless service.

Sub Lieutenant Ahona Majumdar’s journey — from a talented young aspirant from Nagpur with a strong sporting and cultural background to becoming the first woman rotary-wing pilot to top flying merit in the Indian Navy — stands as a testament to what is possible through perseverance and excellence.

Her achievement will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of women to pursue careers in naval aviation and other challenging domains of the armed forces. The Indian Navy, through officers like her, continues to strengthen its operational capabilities while fostering an environment of inclusivity and merit.

As the six newly qualified pilots embark on their operational journeys, the nation joins the Indian Navy in celebrating their hard work, discipline, and commitment to service. Sub Lieutenant Ahona Majumdar’s historic accomplishment marks not an end, but a promising new beginning in the skies above India’s maritime frontiers.