Who is Shivangi Singh? India’s Only Woman Rafale Pilot Who Welcomed President Murmu at Ambala Airbase
President Droupadi Murmu's historic sortie in a Rafale fighter jet at the Ambala Air Force Station has spotlighted Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, India's sole female pilot qualified to operate the advanced multirole combat aircraft. The meeting between the President and Singh underscores the progressive integration of women in India's defence forces and highlights Singh's pioneering role in aviation.
Background and Education
Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh originates from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Her aspiration to become a pilot was ignited during a childhood visit to the Air Force Museum in New Delhi. She completed her early education in Varanasi and subsequently earned a degree from Banaras Hindu University. Following her graduation, Singh underwent intensive training at the Indian Air Force Academy in Hyderabad, preparing her for a career in military aviation.
Career in the Indian Air Force
Commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 2017 as part of the second cohort of women fighter pilots, Singh initially piloted the MiG-21 Bison, honing her skills on high-speed jet operations. In 2020, she was selected for specialized training on the Rafale aircraft, which encompassed advanced simulator exercises and instruction from French experts on systems such as the Thales RBE2 AESA radar and precision-strike capabilities. Stationed at the Ambala Air Force Station, she serves with the elite 17 Squadron, known as the Golden Arrows. Singh has represented India in international exercises, including Orion 2023 in France, and continues to exemplify the Air Force's commitment to gender inclusivity in combat roles.
Achievements and Role as Rafale Pilot
As India's only woman Rafale pilot, Singh operates from Ambala, the primary base for India's Rafale fleet acquired from Dassault Aviation. Her position enhances India's air defense preparedness and serves as an inspiration for aspiring female aviators. Beyond her operational duties, Singh has expressed ambitions extending to space exploration, reflecting her forward-looking vision in aerospace.
The Meeting with President Droupadi Murmu
On October 29, 2025, President Murmu undertook a 30-minute sortie in a Rafale jet at Ambala, piloted by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron. The flight covered approximately 200 kilometers at an altitude of 15,000 feet and a speed of about 700 km/h. Following the sortie, the President met and posed for photographs with Squadron Leader Singh. President Murmu described the experience as "unforgettable" and noted in the station's visitor book that it reinforced her pride in India's defence capabilities. This event marks the President's second fighter jet sortie, following a Sukhoi-30 MKI flight in 2023, making her the first Indian President to achieve this distinction.
Context of Pakistan's Propaganda
The interaction gained additional significance amid false claims propagated by Pakistani sources during Operation Sindoor, India's precision airstrikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Pakistani media erroneously alleged that Singh's Rafale was shot down and that she had been captured. These assertions were debunked by official Indian sources, including a fact-check from the Press Information Bureau confirming her safety. The President's meeting with Singh effectively countered this misinformation, affirming her active role in the Indian Air Force.
