SOURCE: AFI
In a historic milestone for the Indian Air Force (IAF), Flying Officer Tanushka Singh from Mangaluru is set to become the first woman pilot permanently assigned to the Jaguar fighter squadron. Hailing from a proud military family, Tanushka’s induction into the elite combat unit marks a significant step forward in breaking gender barriers within India’s armed forces. Her journey to the cockpit of the Jaguar, a deep-strike fighter jet, is both a personal triumph and a testament to the IAF’s evolving inclusivity.
Tanushka Singh, who proudly identifies as a “Kudla girl” from Mangaluru, Karnataka, will soon join the ranks of the IAF’s Jaguar squadron, a fleet renowned for its precision strike capabilities. Until now, no female pilot had been permanently assigned to fly the Jaguar, an Anglo-French aircraft that has been a mainstay of the IAF since its induction in 1979. While some women pilots have flown the jet on experiential sorties, Tanushka’s selection as a permanent member of the squadron sets a new precedent.
“I proudly call myself a Kudla girl,” Tanushka said, reflecting her deep connection to Mangaluru, where she has lived since 2007. Though her ancestral roots trace back to Uttar Pradesh, it is the coastal city of Karnataka that she considers home. Currently on leave in Mangaluru, she is soaking in the support of her community before embarking on this groundbreaking assignment.
Tanushka’s path to the IAF is steeped in family tradition. Her father and grandfather both served in the armed forces, instilling in her a sense of duty and resilience. Growing up surrounded by tales of valor and discipline, she was inspired to pursue a career in uniform. Her selection as a Jaguar pilot is not just a personal achievement but a continuation of her family’s legacy of service to the nation.
After completing her training, Tanushka earned her wings and was chosen for the Jaguar squadron, a testament to her skill and determination. The Jaguar, known for its low-level penetration and strike capabilities, demands exceptional precision and composure—qualities Tanushka has evidently demonstrated to secure this coveted role.
The IAF has been progressively integrating women into combat roles since 2016, when it first inducted female fighter pilots. Pioneers like Flight Lieutenant Avani Chaturvedi, who flew a MiG-21 Bison, paved the way, followed by others operating aircraft like the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI and Rafale. However, the Jaguar fleet—comprising around 120 aircraft across six squadrons—remained an all-male domain until now.
“Some female pilots have flown the Jaguar fighter jet for experience, but I am the first to be permanently inducted into the Jaguar squadron,” confirmed a retired military officer familiar with the development. This distinction underscores Tanushka’s role as a trailblazer, opening doors for future generations of women aviators in one of the IAF’s most challenging combat units.
The Jaguar, affectionately nicknamed “Toofani” in the IAF, is a versatile platform tasked with deep penetration strikes, reconnaissance, and maritime attack roles. Operating it requires rigorous training and adaptability, particularly given its aging airframes, which are undergoing upgrades with modern avionics and weaponry to extend their service life into the 2030s.
Once her leave concludes, Tanushka will join her squadron, likely at one of the IAF’s key bases like Ambala, Gorakhpur, or Jamnagar, where Jaguar units are stationed. There, she will undergo further aircraft-specific training and integration into operational missions, contributing to the IAF’s combat readiness.
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