Scripting history, flying officer Avani Chaturvedi has become the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft. She undertook the sortie from IAF's Jamnagar base on Monday.
"Chaturvedi became the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo when she flew a MiG-21 bison in her first solo flight," an IAF official said.
Three women pilots, Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh, had undergone strenuous training programme to fly fighter jets. They were commissioned as flying officers in July 2016.
#TouchTheSkyWithGlory : Fg Offr Avani Chaturvedi became the first Indian Woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo, when on 19 Feb 18 she flew a MiG-21 Bison aircraft in her first solo flight. The photo attached has been taken after her solo sortie. pic.twitter.com/nHWe4sgSmi
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) February 22, 2018
The IAF has already selected the next batch of three women trainee pilots for the fighter stream.
Meanwhile, congratulatory messages have been pouring out across from the country. Here’s who said what:
Piyush Goyal, Union Minister: Congratulations to Flying Officer #AvaniChaturvedi on becoming the first Indian woman to fly a MiG-21 Bison aircraft solo. The whole country is proud of her for this amazing feat.
Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister: Heartiest congratulations to Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi for becoming the first ever Indian woman to fly a MiG-21 ‘Bison’ fighter aircraft.Salute the indomitable spirit of Avani Chaturvedi for defying all odds and creating history.More power to our daughters.
Jayant Sinha, Union Minister: Congratulations to @IAF_MCC Flying Officer #AvaniChaturvedi, the first Indian woman to fly the fighter aircraft MiG-21 Bison solo. You are an inspiration to women everywhere!
Babul Supriyo, BJP leader: Heartiest Congratulations to Flying Officer #AvaniChaturvedi on becoming the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft, the MiG-21 "Bison".
Mamata Banerjee, CM of West Bengal: Heartiest congratulations to Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi. The first Indian woman to fly fighter aircraft solo. You are an inspiration for many young girls in our country.
Congress: Heartiest congratulations to Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi for becoming the first woman pilot to fly a fighter jet. You are an inspiration to all of us and you've made the nation very proud!
AAP: Proud moment for every Indian! Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi became the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft (MiG-21 bison). Congratulations!
Sushil Kumar, Wrestler: Congratulations to flying officer #AvaniChaturvedi for creating history by becoming 1st Indian women fighter pilot @IAF_MCC . Proud moment for the Nation #JaiHind #WomenEmpowerment
Ashok Gehlot, Congress leader: I congratulate flying officer Avani Chaturvedi for becoming the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo. You are an inspiration for young girls. May you soar high n high!
