Sub-Lieutenant Anamika B Rajeev has made history as the Indian Navy's first woman helicopter pilot, receiving the prestigious "Golden Wings" during a passing-out parade at the naval air station in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu.
The ceremony, held on Friday, was graced by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command.
The parade marked the culmination of an intensive 22-week training programme at the Indian Naval Air Squadron 561, the alma mater for all Indian Navy helicopter pilots.
Alongside Sub-Lieutenant Rajeev, Lt Jamyang Tsewang, the first commissioned naval officer from Ladakh, also graduated as a qualified helicopter pilot.
In total, 21 officers were awarded the "Golden Wings" at the event.
"Highlighting the Indian Navy's commitment to gender inclusivity and expanding career opportunities for women, Sub-Lieutenant Anamika B Rajeev created history by graduating as the first woman naval helicopter pilot," the Navy said in a statement.
Sub-Lieutenant Rajeev will now be authorised to fly various helicopters, including Sea Kings, ALH Dhruvs, Chetaks, and MH-60R Seahawks.
Her role will involve diverse missions such as reconnaissance, surveillance, search and rescue, and anti-piracy operations.
This milestone comes after the Navy had already deployed women pilots for its Dornier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft.
The ceremony also celebrated Lt Jamyang Tsewang, marking his success as the first commissioned naval officer from the Union Territory of Ladakh to qualify as a helicopter pilot.
Both officers exemplify the Navy's evolving approach to inclusivity and excellence.
The helicopter training school at INS Rajali, with a heritage spanning over five decades, has trained 849 pilots from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and friendly foreign nations.
The newly qualified pilots of the 102nd helicopter conversion course will now be assigned to various frontline operational units of the Indian Navy.
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