Wing Commander Shivangi Singh, India’s only woman Rafale pilot, met President Droupadi Murmu. [Photo: X/President of India]
Wing Commander Shivangi Singh, India’s only woman Rafale pilot, has once again captured national attention after meeting President Droupadi Murmu during her historic Rafale sortie from Ambala Air Force Station on Wednesday. Shivangi Singh, who flies the advanced French-made Rafale multirole fighter, serves with the Golden Arrows Squadron, one of the Indian Air Force’s most elite combat units.
President Murmu became the first Indian President to take sorties in two fighter jets — the Sukhoi-30 MKI in 2023 and now the Rafale. Describing her 30-minute flight as “unforgettable,” she said the experience filled her with renewed pride in India’s defence strength.
The sortie covered around 200 km at an altitude of 15,000 ft and a speed of about 700 km/h. It was piloted by Group Captain Amit Gehani, the Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron.
Born and raised in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Shivangi Singh’s passion for aviation began during a childhood visit to the Air Force Museum in New Delhi. She completed her schooling in Varanasi and graduated from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) before joining the Indian Air Force Academy (AFA) in Hyderabad.
In 2017, Shivangi Singh was commissioned into the Indian Air Force as part of the second batch of women fighter pilots. She began her flying career on the MiG-21 Bison, one of the IAF’s most challenging aircraft, where she learned the art of high-speed aerial manoeuvres.
Her skill and discipline earned her a place in the prestigious Rafale program in 2020. Her training included simulator sessions and tactical instruction from French experts, focusing on the jet’s Thales RBE2 AESA radar and precision-strike systems.
During Operation Sindoor, India’s counter-terror mission launched in April 2025 after the Pahalgam terror attack, Wing Commander Shivangi Singh was stationed at the Ambala base as part of the Golden Arrows Squadron. Although she was not directly involved in combat sorties, her squadron maintained full operational readiness and played a vital role in air defence coordination.
During this time, several fake claims and doctored videos surfaced on Pakistani social media, falsely alleging that Shivangi Singh had been captured during cross-border exchanges. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Press Information Bureau (PIB) swiftly debunked these rumours, confirming that Wing Commander Shivangi Singh was safe and on duty at Ambala.
Operation Sindoor underscored India’s high alertness and showcased the role of women officers in modern warfare, reinforcing the IAF’s commitment to gender equality and operational excellence.
In 2019, Shivangi Singh was selected for the prestigious Rafale program and later inducted into the Golden Arrows Squadron in 2020, becoming India’s first woman Rafale pilot to fly the powerful French-made fighter jet.
Her training involved advanced simulators and tactical lessons from French experts, focusing on the jet’s Thales RBE2 AESA radar and precision-strike systems. She has represented India in international exercises, including Orion 2023 in France, demonstrating her combat readiness on a global stage.
Wing Commander Shivangi Singh has become a symbol of the IAF’s changing face, proving that women can excel in the toughest military roles. She has represented India in international air exercises, including Exercise Orion 2023 in France, showcasing her skills on the global stage.
Her achievements continue to inspire young women across India to join the armed forces and pursue careers in combat aviation.
After completing her flight, President Droupadi Murmu signed the visitor’s book at the Air Force Station, writing: “The sortie on Rafale is an unforgettable experience for me. This first flight on the potent Rafale aircraft has instilled in me a renewed sense of pride in the nation’s defence capabilities.”
The Ambala Air Force Station was the first in India to receive the Rafale jets from Dassault Aviation and remains a crucial operational hub for India’s air defence readiness.
Shivangi Singh’s meeting with President Murmu carries a powerful message of women's empowerment and national pride. Two trailblazing women — one the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and the other India’s first woman Rafale pilot — symbolise India’s progress in breaking gender barriers in defence.
Their meeting is more than ceremonial; it highlights how women are redefining India’s leadership in the skies and at the highest offices of power.
