Tanushka Singh, who dreamed of joining the Indian Army, drew inspiration from the courage of her grandfather, Captain D.B. Singh, a retired Army officer
New Delhi: Flying Officer Tanushka Singh has become the first woman pilot to be permanently assigned to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Jaguar fighter jet squadron. She will soon report to her squadron for active duty. This milestone represents a major advancement in integrating women into combat roles within the Indian Air Force. While other women have flown the Jaguar during training, Tanushka’s permanent induction into the squadron is unprecedented. The Jaguar, renowned for its precision strike capabilities, serves as a crucial tactical aircraft for the IAF.
Tanushka Singh, who dreamed of joining the Indian Army, drew inspiration from the courage of her grandfather, Captain D.B. Singh, a retired Army officer, and soared to new heights by adding a remarkable chapter to the history of the Indian Air Force.
Talking about Tanushka’s achievement, her grandfather shared that since morning, relatives and well-wishers have been calling to congratulate them. He mentioned that Tanushka spoke to him via video call but, due to security reasons, was instructed to share limited information. However, he couldn’t stop himself from sharing at least some details. He credited his wife, Urmila Singh, for this achievement, stating that she compelled him to move from Gonda to the capital, which ultimately enabled their family to reach this milestone.
Inspired by Her Grandfather
Tanushka has been living in Mangaluru with her father, retired Lt. Colonel Ajay Pratap Singh, since 2007. She completed her schooling at DPS MRPL and earned a B.Tech degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology in 2022.
Tanushka initially wanted to join the Indian Army, but when she learned about the opportunities available for women in the Indian Air Force, she asked me about it and then changed her decision, deciding to join the Air Force. I encouraged her, and now she has made me proud across the entire country.
At the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Tamil Nadu, special training was received on the training MK-132 aircraft. When the news of Tanushka becoming the first pilot was received, a stream of well-wishers gathered at her residence in Patel Nagar, Indiranagar, to congratulate her. People presented bouquets and sweets to celebrate and congratulated her grandparents and uncle, Vijay Pratap Singh.
