Sub-Lieutenant Anamika B Rajeev has become the first woman helicopter pilot of the Indian Navy after receiving the coveted ‘Golden Wings’ at the Passing Out Parade at the Naval Air Station in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu. According to the Indian Navy, in another achievement, Lieutenant Jamyang Tsewang, the first commissioned naval officer from Ladakh, also successfully graduated as a qualified helicopter pilot.
A statement issued by the Navy said that Sub-Lieutenant Rajeev and Lieutenant Tsewang are among the 21 officers who were awarded the ‘Golden Wings’ by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, at the Passing-Out Parade at INS Rajali.
Became The First Female Naval Helicopter Pilot
The Navy further said, reflecting the Indian Navy’s commitment to gender inclusiveness and expanding career opportunities for women … Sub-Lieutenant Anamika B Rajeev created history by graduating as the first female naval helicopter pilot.
The statement said Lieutenant Jamyang Tsewang, the first commissioned naval officer from the Union Territory of Ladakh, graduated as a qualified helicopter pilot.
Flew The MiG-21 Bison In The Very First Voyage
The Navy has already deployed women pilots for its Dornier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft. Sub-Lieutenant Rajeev has become the first woman pilot to be allowed to fly helicopters like Sea Kings, ALH Dhruv, Chetak, and MH-60R Seahawks. In 2018, Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi of the Indian Air Force made history by becoming the first Indian woman pilot to fly a fighter aircraft alone. In her first solo flight, she flew the MiG-21 Bison.
