HYDERABAD : History was made in India when three young women in their twenties were inducted for the first time as fighter jet pilots into the Indian Air Force, the fourth largest air force in the world.
The threesome –Bhavana Kant, Avani Chaturvedi and Mohana Singh, were presented the wings as flying officers by Defence minister Manohar Parrikar at an impressive passing out parade at Air Force Academy.in Dundigal,about 40 kms from here, today .
The three of them had volunteered to join the fighter stream of the air force and cleared the first stage of training with 150 hours flying experience to their credit.
They will now train as advanced pilots for six months on the advanced jet fighter-Hawk-built by UK.
As the Defence Minister was presenting the wings to the women fighter pilots, a large crowd including top defence officials and parents of the officers who passed out, lustily cheered them.
Mr.Parrikkar took the salute and reviewed the parade comprising young officers clad in their immaculate light blue shirt-navy blue trouser-uniforms,on a pleasant and partly cloudy June morning.
The highlight of the parade was an exiting fly past and aerobatic show by jet aircraft of the IAF to the delight of the vast gathering.
Mr.Parrikkar complimented the officers who passed out today and hoped that they would acquit themselves well during their career which just began in keeping with the great traditions of the IAF.
In all 133 including 22 women officers belonging to both flying and ground duty branches passed out today. (Agencies)
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