Meet Sub Lieutenant Siddhi Hemant Dubey: 2nd Woman Helicopter Pilot of the Indian Navy

In a significant stride toward gender inclusivity and operational excellence, the Indian Navy proudly welcomed Sub Lieutenant Siddhi Hemant Dubey as its second woman helicopter pilot. With the awarding of the prestigious Golden Wings on June 9, 2025, at INS Rajali, Siddhi Dubey etched her name into the annals of naval aviation history—carrying forward the spirit of dedication, discipline, and dream that defines the Armed Forces.

A Childhood Dream Takes Flight

For Sub Lt Siddhi Dubey, flying wasn’t just a career choice—it was a calling. Growing up in an Air Force family, with her father serving as a senior non-commissioned officer in the Indian Air Force, Siddhi was surrounded by the roar of engines and the romance of the skies. Inspired early on, she nurtured the dream of becoming a pilot and chose the road less travelled—aviation in the Indian Navy.

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“Being a pilot was a childhood dream,” Siddhi shared during her training, “and doing something different led me to opt for aviation in the Indian Navy. I’m extremely fortunate to be part of Helicopter Training School, INS Rajali.”

Earning Her Wings

Siddhi’s journey culminated in the 22-week rigorous training at Indian Naval Air Squadron 561, the largest helicopter squadron of the Indian Navy. Alongside 17 fellow officers, she underwent intensive flying and ground training, honing skills crucial for frontline naval operations. Her perseverance was rewarded with the ceremonial “Golden Wings”—a symbol of operational readiness and the Navy’s trust.

At the Passing Out Parade, Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Naval Command, presented the wings and reminded the new pilots:

“You wear the wings of gold not as a decoration, but as a symbol of responsibility and the relentless pursuit of excellence.”

Joining a Legacy of Trailblazers

Sub Lt Siddhi Dubey follows in the footsteps of Sub Lt Anamika B. Rajeev, who became the Indian Navy’s first woman helicopter pilot in 2024. While women officers like Lt. Shivangi, Lt. Shubhangi Swaroop, and Lt. Divya Sharma have previously flown fixed-wing aircraft such as the Dornier-228, it is Anamika and now Siddhi who have opened the skies for women in rotary-wing aviation within the Navy.

Their milestones serve as powerful reminders that gender is no barrier to capability, courage, or contribution.

A Future on the Frontlines

As a newly qualified pilot, Siddhi will soon take on active roles aboard India’s frontline naval platforms—flying helicopters that are the backbone of maritime operations. She will contribute to critical missions such as:

• Reconnaissance and Surveillance
• Search and Rescue (SAR)
• Anti-piracy Operations
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)

The Indian Navy’s helicopter fleet, consisting of Sea Kings, ALH Dhruvs, Chetaks, and MH-60R Seahawks, stands ready for deployment—and Siddhi is now part of this formidable force.

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Beyond the Uniform: A Symbol of Change

Sub Lt Siddhi Dubey’s achievement is not just personal—it’s deeply symbolic. It represents:

• The evolving role of women in the Indian Armed Forces
• The Navy’s commitment to inclusivity and equality
• The power of dreams backed by discipline

She stands today not just as a pilot, but as a role model for countless young girls who dare to dream of flying, of leading, and of serving the nation with honor.

Inspiration for a Generation

Sub Lt Siddhi Dubey’s story is a celebration of courage, grit, and determination. It reminds us that the sky is never the limit—it’s just the beginning. As she soars across the Indian Ocean and beyond, she carries with her not just a badge of honor, but the hopes of a nation that believes in the power of its daughters.

Jai Hind.