Flight Lieutenant Bhawana Kanth, the first woman in India to qualify for combat mission in a fighter jet, today became the first woman fighter pilot to participate in the Republic Day fly-past.
Bhawana Kanth joined the Indian Air Force fighter squadron in 2017 and flew her first solo flight on an MiG-21 Bison in March 2018. She is currently posted at a fighter base in the western sector.
Along with Mohana Singh and Avani Chaturvedi, Flight Lt Kanth was the first woman selected for the IAF fighter stream in 2016.
Flight Lieutenant Tanik Sharma led the contingent of the Indian Air Force, which featured 96 airmen and four officers. Air warriors were seen in a 12 by 8 formation.
The Air Force tableau with the theme "Indian Air Force: Touch the Sky with Glory" showcased scale models of the Light Combat Aircraft, Light Combat Helicopter, Su-30 MK-I aircraft and the Rohini radar.
Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar led the Air Force Band, which played the tune ''Sound Barrier Quick March''. The band comprises of three Drum Majors and 72 musicians.
(With inputs from ANI)
Video: Air Force's MiG-29 Stalls In Flat Spin Seconds Before It Crashed Air Force's MiG-29 Crashes Near Agra, Pilot Ejects Safely All-Weather, Multi-Functional: All About The C-295 Military Aircraft Video: Man Sits On Firecracker In Bet For New Vehicle. Explosion Kills Him Charges Drawn Up In Kolkata Rape-Murder Case, Accused Says "Framed" "Cowardly Attempts To Intimidate Diplomats": PM's 1st Comments On Canada Row 3 Women Injured In Car Accident In North Delhi's Civil Lines VITEEE 2025: Registration Begins, Exams Start On April 21, Check Details Assam Police Rescue 19 Dogs, Arrest 4 In Crackdown On Illegal Smuggling Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.