Avani Chaturvedi | |
---|---|
Personal details | |
Born | Satna, Madhya Pradesh, India | 27 October 1993
Spouse | Flt Lt Vineet Chikara |
Education | Banasthali University, Rajasthan, India (B.Tech Computer Science) |
Occupation | Fighter Pilot |
Military service | |
Allegiance | India |
Branch/service | Indian Air Force |
Rank | Squadron Leader |
Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi (born 27 October 1993) is an Indian pilot from Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh. She was declared as the first female combat pilot in India along with two of her cohorts, Mohana Singh Jitarwal, and Bhawana Kanth.[1][2] The trio was inducted into the Indian Air Force fighter squadron in June 2016. They were formally commissioned by then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on 18 June 2016, to serve the nation.[3]
It was in October 2015 that the Indian Government decided to open the fighter stream for women.[4]
Chaturvedi’s achievement has put India on the list of the countries, such as Britain, the United States, Israel, and Pakistan, where women are allowed to fly fighter jets.[5]