Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh, a trailblazer in the Indian Air Force (IAF), rose to prominence as the first and only woman pilot of the Rafale fighter jet, India’s most advanced combat aircraft. Her journey from Varanasi to becoming a combat-ready officer in the IAF is a story of resilience, determination, and national pride. Amidst recent misinformation during military tensions, her name once again made headlines, underscoring both her growing prominence and the challenges of the digital era.
Early Life and Education
Shivangi Singh was born in 1995 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, a historic and spiritual city in India. From a young age, she displayed a keen interest in aviation and national service. Her academic journey began at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where she earned her graduate degree.
What set her apart early on was her active participation in the National Cadet Corps (NCC), particularly the 7 UP Air Squadron NCC. The discipline, exposure to the Air Force ethos, and flying experience gained through the NCC played a pivotal role in shaping her dream to become a fighter pilot.
Joining the Indian Air Force
In 2017, Shivangi Singh was inducted into the Indian Air Force as part of its second batch of women fighter pilots, following the historic decision in 2015 to allow women into combat flying roles. Her induction marked a significant step toward gender inclusivity in the Indian armed forces.
She began her professional flying career by training and operating the MiG-21 Bison, one of the oldest but most demanding fighter aircraft in the IAF inventory. This platform is known for its challenging handling characteristics and high landing speeds, often used as a test of mettle for new fighter pilots.
Transition to the Rafale: A National Milestone
The Rafale multirole fighter jet, built by Dassault Aviation, was inducted into the IAF in 2020. The induction significantly boosted India’s air superiority capabilities, offering advanced radar, electronic warfare systems, and superior maneuverability.
After proving her proficiency on the MiG-21, Shivangi Singh was selected to fly the Rafale—a significant honor reflecting her competence and dedication. She underwent extensive conversion training to master the advanced systems and dynamics of the new aircraft.
Shivangi became part of the No. 17 Squadron, also known as the Golden Arrows, stationed at the Ambala Air Force Station. This squadron plays a frontline role in safeguarding India’s skies, especially along the western borders.
Training and Flying Experience
Flying a Rafale is no ordinary feat. It requires deep technical knowledge, quick reflexes, and a high degree of mental and physical fitness. The Rafale’s capabilities include:
- Multirole operations (air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance)
- Integration of beyond-visual-range missiles
- Advanced electronic warfare systems
- Smart cockpit and fly-by-wire controls
Shivangi Singh underwent rigorous simulator training, theoretical instruction, and multiple sorties under supervision before qualifying as a solo Rafale pilot. Her transition is emblematic of women’s growing roles in high-tech, high-stakes combat missions.
Inspirations and Role Models
Shivangi often credits Flight Lieutenants Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth, and Mohana Singh—India’s first batch of women fighter pilots—as her inspirations. Their journeys paved the way for others like her, proving that skill and commitment matter more than gender in today’s military.
In turn, Shivangi Singh is now an iconic figure for young girls aspiring to break stereotypes and aim for careers in the defense forces or aviation sectors.
International Presence: Representing India in France
In 2023, Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh was selected as part of the Indian contingent for Exercise Orion, a multinational air force exercise held in France. This event involved various NATO and non-NATO forces and focused on joint planning, tactical combat, and interoperability.
Her participation not only underscored her skills but also projected India’s commitment to global military cooperation and gender inclusivity in international platforms.
Republic Day Tableau Appearance
Shivangi Singh featured in the Indian Air Force’s tableau during the Republic Day Parade, one of the most prestigious public events in India. She represented not only the Air Force but also the evolving image of modern Indian women in uniform, celebrated for their strength, precision, and valor.
Misinformation and Viral Rumors
In May 2025, amid a military escalation between India and Pakistan, a wave of rumors swept social media, falsely claiming that Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh was captured by Pakistan during an air attack.
The false narrative claimed that she had been arrested after her aircraft went down in Pakistani territory. However, this was categorically denied by official Indian defense sources. The Indian Air Force and Press Information Bureau (PIB) confirmed that Shivangi Singh was safe and continuing her duties at her assigned base.
This incident highlighted the growing challenge of misinformation during conflict situations, where deepfakes, fake news, and social media manipulation can cause panic and confusion.
Women in the Indian Air Force: A Growing Force
Shivangi Singh is one among many women making a difference in India’s defense forces. Since 2015, when women were first inducted as fighter pilots on a trial basis, the policy has evolved into permanent commissions and expanded roles.
Today, women are flying:
- Fighter jets like MiG-21, Sukhoi-30 MKI, and Rafale
- Transport aircraft including C-130J Super Hercules
- Helicopters like the Apache and Chinook
They are also serving in air traffic control, intelligence, meteorology, engineering, and ground-based air defense systems.
Awards and Recognitions
Though still early in her career, Shivangi Singh has received several commendations for her:
- Professional excellence during training and operations
- Representation in international air force exercises
- Role in promoting gender inclusivity in armed forces
Her achievements continue to be a source of pride for the Indian Air Force, and she is likely to scale even greater heights in the years to come.
Public Perception and Media Presence
The Indian media has hailed her as a symbol of new-age patriotism and women’s empowerment. Shivangi Singh is often featured in documentaries, interviews, and educational programs aimed at inspiring the youth. Her disciplined demeanor, calm confidence, and clarity of thought have made her a role model for both boys and girls across India.
Conclusion: The Sky Is Not the Limit
Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh’s story is more than a biography; it is a symbol of change in modern India. From a young NCC cadet in Varanasi to piloting one of the world’s most advanced fighter jets, her path reflects courage, competence, and commitment.
Her achievements represent a broader transformation in India’s defense sector, where gender is no longer a barrier to excellence. As more women like Shivangi enter the cockpit and command centers, the Indian Armed Forces are becoming stronger, more inclusive, and more representative of the country they defend.
As India continues to face strategic challenges and evolves its military capabilities, officers like Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh will undoubtedly be at the forefront of innovation, leadership, and inspiration.
