Indian Navy gets its first woman helicopter pilot

• Sub Lieutenant Anamika B. Rajeev became the Indian Navy’s first woman helicopter pilot during a passing out parade held in the naval air station INS Rajali at Arakkonam

India Opens Doors for Women in the Military

Army:

• Women officers can now have long-term careers (Permanent Commission) in many areas
• Women can train alongside men at the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA). New batches start every six months.
• The Army is opening its cockpits to women pilots in the Corps of Army Aviation.
• Women can also join the Military Police as enlisted soldiers (Other Ranks).

Navy:

• From June 2023, women can become officers in almost every branch of the Navy, except for submarines (for now).
• Women officers are already serving on warships and in specialized roles like Naval Air Operations.
• They can also fly drones (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) for the Navy.
• The Navy is opening up more training spots for women cadets in both the NDA and the Indian Naval Academy (INA).

Air Force:

• The Air Force provides excellent facilities for its women personnel.
• Women officers can compete for positions in any branch or role, including combat missions.
• The Air Force is actively recruiting women through programs like the NDA and NCC Special Entry.
• They're also running campaigns to get the word out about these exciting opportunities for women.

More Women in Uniform

• Right now, over 11,400 women serve in India's Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• The Army has the most women, with over 7,000, but that number is growing across all branches.
• This figure includes both officers and enlisted personnel, as well as those in medical professions.
• There are nearly 5,000 women serving in non-medical roles across the three forces.