Indian Navy Welcomes First Woman Helicopter Pilot and Ladakh’s First Commissioned Naval Officer

Sub-Lieutenant Anamika B Rajeev Breaks Barriers as Indian Navy’s First Woman Helicopter Pilot
In a historic achievement for the Indian Navy, Sub-Lieutenant Anamika B Rajeev has been awarded the prestigious "Golden Wings," becoming the first woman helicopter pilot in the service. This landmark event occurred at a passing-out parade held at the naval air station INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu’s Arakkonam.
Joining her in this momentous occasion, Lt Jamyang Tsewang, heralding from the Union Territory of Ladakh, also received his "Golden Wings," marking him as the first commissioned naval officer from Ladakh to qualify as a helicopter pilot. Both officers were among the 21 to be honored with the "Golden Wings" by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command.
The ceremony, which took place on Friday, was the culmination of a challenging 22-week training program at the Indian Naval Air Squadron 561. This squadron is renowned as the cradle for all helicopter pilots of the Indian Navy, providing rigorous flying and ground training.
The Indian Navy highlighted this achievement as a testament to its commitment towards gender inclusivity and the broadening of career paths for women within its ranks. Sub-Lieutenant Rajeev’s graduation as the first woman naval helicopter pilot is a significant stride towards this objective. She will now be qualified to fly various helicopters, including Sea Kings, ALH Dhruvs, Chetaks, and MH-60R Seahawks, marking a significant milestone in the Navy’s history.
This achievement follows the precedent set by flying officer Avani Chaturvedi of the Indian Air Force, who became the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo in 2018, piloting a MiG-21 Bison.
The helicopter training school at INS Rajali, with a notable history of over five decades, has trained 849 pilots from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and friendly foreign nations. The newly qualified pilots from the 102nd helicopter conversion course are set to be deployed to various front-line operational units of the Indian Navy, where they will undertake missions encompassing reconnaissance, surveillance, search and rescue, and anti-piracy operations.
This development not only celebrates the individual achievements of Sub-Lieutenant Rajeev and Lt Tsewang but also underscores the Indian Navy’s ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity and diversity within its ranks.