Sqn Ldr Saanya becomes IAF's first woman Cat-A qualified flying instructor
New Delhi, May 18
Squadron Leader Saanya has created history by becoming the first woman officer to achieve the coveted Category-A Qualified Flying Instructor qualification, the Indian Air Force said on Monday.
In a post on X, the IAF said, "Excellence takes flight. Squadron Leader Saanya achieved a historic first by becoming the first woman officer to earn the coveted Cat-A Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) qualification."
Highlighting her achievement, the Air Force added, "Her achievement embodies dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. A proud milestone for the IAF and an inspiration for aspiring aviators across the nation."
Meanwhile, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Friday underlined the role of evolving technology in modern warfare, highlighting the role of Unmanned Aerial (UA) systems, which he said are the extensions of Air power.
Speaking at the Centre for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said that modern warfare has shifted from concentrated Air power to a decentralised and autonomous way, emphasising the need to adapt.
"This topic of drones and UA systems is very relevant. It is a reality. So, there is no denying that the battlefield has shifted. We are shifting from concentrated Air power to a decentralised and autonomous way. We must understand that the Unmanned Aerial (UA) systems are extensions of Air power. There is also reduced risk in terms of human life during the operation. As I said, it is an extension of Air power, so all the rules of Air power will apply when you use the UA system," he said.
Speaking about the counter UA systems, he said, "It is like a cat-and-mouse game. When you develop technology in one field, the counter technology has to develop along with it because that is how a game can be played.
He also hailed the coordination between the three services during Operation Sindoor, India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
"I think we have done reasonably well in Operation Sindoor, and it was possible because there was coordination. Without a central agency coordinating it, it would not have been possible. We have a structure in place so that every time we are able to counter these things. We will have all three services operating in the same airspace, so there has to be total coordination," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great achievement but let's not forget the thousands of women who serve in support roles without such recognition. Also, the Chief's comments on drones and inter-service coordination are spot on - modern warfare is changing fast and we need to adapt accordingly.
So proud! My daughter wants to join the Air Force and stories like these give her hope. But I wish the article also highlighted the challenges women face in such roles. Still, this is a huge step forward for gender equality in India. 🙏
Excellent news! As someone who follows global military trends, India's integration of women in combat roles is impressive. The focus on drones and joint operations also shows strategic thinking. However, the Pahalgam response needs more transparency for public confidence.
While Saanya's achievement is commendable, I'm more interested in the IAF Chief's comments on drones. The 'cat-and-mouse game' analogy is perfect - Pakistan uses cheap drones effectively, and we need robust counter-measures. Operation Sindoor showed inter-service synergy finally working. 🤔
Brilliant! But why does it take until 2024 for the first woman Cat-A instructor? The IAF should have had women in these roles much earlier. Still, better late than never. And the drone warfare discussion is timely - hope we invest more in indigenous tech like the Tapas and Archer.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.