Women Officers In Indian Armed Forces
Women officers in the Indian Armed Forces have made significant strides in leadership, operational deployments, and global representation, reflecting a sustained push toward greater gender inclusion across all three Services.
The number of women officers in the armed forces has grown to around 11,000, supported by expanded training opportunities and greater institutional inclusion.
Women’s entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA) has progressed significantly, with 17 women cadets graduating in May 2025 and 15 in November 2025.
Women officers now hold senior leadership and operational command roles, including Lieutenant General rank, fighter pilots, and commanders of key units.
Today, women officers are increasingly undertaking commanding, strategic, and decision-making responsibilities across the Army, Navy, and Air Force marking a new era in India’s defence forces.
Leadership Roles Undertaken by Women in Uniform
Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair – The Indian Army has witnessed a steady rise in the number of women officers attaining senior leadership positions. In a significant milestone, Sadhna Saxena Nair was appointed as Director General Medical Services (Army), marking a historic achievement as she became the first woman to hold this top position in the Army’s medical wing. Her appointment reflects the growing role of women in key decision-making and strategic leadership positions within the Armed Forces.
Colonel Ponung Doming – Colonel Ponung Doming from the Indian Army is the first woman officer to command the world’s highest Border Task Force located above 15,000 feet in the Northern sector with multiple firsts to her credit in over 20 years of service
Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth was the first day-time Indian woman fighter pilot to qualify to undertake combat missions. She was the first woman fighter pilot to take part in the Republic Day Parade (2021). She also participated in the Republic Day 2024 Flypast becoming a part of the revered fighter pilot club in India.
Lieutenant Commander Annu Prakash of the Indian Navy brought her expertise in maritime security and operations to the forefront. Her participation underscored the crucial role women play in safeguarding India’s vast coastline and ensuring regional stability.
Captain Hansja Sharma – Captain Hansja Sharma made history by becoming the first woman Rudra helicopter pilot in the Indian Army. She led the 251 Army Aviation Squadron on the Republic Day 2026.
Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia – Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia made history in 2025 becoming the First Woman Pilot to be streamed into the Fighter stream of Naval Aviation, breaking gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. She was awarded the prestigious Wings of Gold during the Second Basic Hawk Conversion Course graduation at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam.
Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi – Avani Chaturvedi became the first woman fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to take part in an aerial wargame abroad. Ms Chaturvedi, a Su-30MKI pilot, was part of the IAF contingent that participated in a 16-day mega air combat exercise with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) at the Japanese airbase of Hyakuri.
Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh – Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh became India’s first woman Rafale pilot , an achievement that highlights the growing expertise and operational excellence of women in the Indian Air Force.
Wg Cdr Anjali Singh – Wing Commander Anjali Singh of the Indian Air Force became the first Indian woman military diplomat to be posted to an overseas mission. Her appointment as Deputy Air Attaché at the Embassy of India in Russia marked a historic milestone, highlighting the growing leadership of women in the armed forces.
Lt Cdr Dilna K & Lt Cdr Roopa A – They scripted history by completing a 25,600-nautical-mile global circumnavigation aboard the INSV Tarini under the Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition. Their 238-day voyage stands as a powerful testament to Nari Shakti in the Indian Navy, showcasing courage, endurance, and the expanding leadership of women across the world’s oceans.
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