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 in Ranipet district. A total of 21 officers were awarded the prestigious ‘Golden Wings’ by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. A passing out parade was held on June 7 to mark the graduation of the 102nd Helicopter Conversion Course.

About her achievement

The Passing out parade marked the successful culmination of an intensive 22 weeks Training programme encompassing rigorous flying and ground training at the Indian Naval Air Squadron 561, the alma mater of all helicopter pilots of Indian Navy.

• SLt Anamika B Rajeev created history by graduating as the ‘First Woman Naval helicopter pilot’.
• Lt Jamyang Tsewang, the first Commissioned Naval Officer from the Union Territory of Ladakh also successfully graduated as a qualified helicopter pilot.

About Indian Naval Air Squadron 561

Conducted at the Indian Naval Air Squadron 561, known as the alma mater of all helicopter pilots of the Indian Navy, this training program is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum and stringent standards. The Ministry highlighted the Indian Navy’s commitment to gender inclusivity and expanding career opportunities for women,
with SLt Anamika B Rajeev making history by becoming the first woman naval helicopter pilot to graduate from the course.

Static GK

• Indian Navy’s first woman helicopter pilot: Anamika B. Rajeev
• Vice Admiral OF Indian Navy: Rajesh Pendharkar