Our Daughters, Our Pride: Meet J&K's First IAF Woman Fighter Pilot, Mawya Sudan

Hailing from the village of Lamberi, of Border Tehsil of Nowshera in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, 23-year-old Mawya Sudan has created history and become the first woman from Jammu and Kashmir to join the Indian Air Force (IAF) as a fighter pilot. Mawya had cleared the Air Force entrance exam last year. She has become the 12th woman officer to join the IAF and the first woman officer from the state to join as a fighter pilot:

Combined graduation passing out parade

Mawya Sudan becomes IAF¡¯s 1st woman fighter pilot from J&K | Photo : Twitter

Mawya Sudan participated as the only female fighter pilot in the combined graduation passing out parade held on Saturday at the Dundigal Air Force Academy in Hyderabad which was reviewed by Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria.

Appointed Flying IAF officer -

Mawya Sudan commissioned as a flying officer in the Indian Air Force | Photo : Twitter/@officeofigjandk

She has been appointed as a Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Happiness in the family

Mawya sudan belongs to Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir | Photo : ANI

There is an atmosphere of happiness and pride in Mawya Sudan's family on her achievement.

Father¡¯s happiness -

Mawya Sudan father. Vinod Sudan (Left), mother Sushma Sudan (center), Sister Manyata Sudan (Right) | Photo : ANI

Mawya's father, Vinod Sudan, expressed his happiness, "I am feeling proud. Now she is not just our daughter but a daughter of this country. We have been receiving congratulatory messages since yesterday," he told ANI.

Always wanted to be a pilot

Mawya sudan childhood dream to become a pilot | Photo : Twitter/@imchetansharma1

"Since her school days, Mawya was inclined towards the Air Force and always wanted to become a fighter pilot", Manyata Sudan, sister of Mawya Sudan, who is a JE in Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board told ANI.

Just a beginning -

Indian air force officers | Photo : ANI

"I am incredibly proud of my younger sister. This was her dream since childhood. I am sure she will add to her laurels soon. This is just the beginning. Everyone is treating her like her own daughter. People from all over the country are supporting and motivating her. It is an inspiring story for everyone," she said.

Year-long training

Indian Air Force (IAF) Surya Kiran aerobatic team performs during a combined graduation parade at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, on the outskirts of Hyderabad | Photo : AP

For over one year Mavya Sudan will now have to undergo rigorous combat training for over a year before she can become 'fully operational' as a fighter pilot and handle the intricacies of combat flying.

Will join other women Air Force pilots

Avani Chaturvedi with other women pilot | Twitter

Earlier, Flight Lieutenants Avani Chaturvedi who is one of the first woman combat pilot of India, Bhawna Kanth who is one of the first female fighter pilots of India and Mohana Singh who is also first woman combat pilot had joined the fighter stream as flying officers in 2016 after basic training.

11 women fighter pilots -

Indian Air Force (IAF) cadets march during a combined graduation parade at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, on the outskirts of Hyderabad | Photo : AFP

Mavya Sudan's name has also been included in this list. The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently has 11 women fighter pilots, who have undergone rigorous training to fly supersonic jets.