Bhawana Kanth Soars Into History as India's First Woman 'Top Gun'
What Happened
Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth has become the first woman officer to graduate from the IAF's elite Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) course, often referred to as India's "Top Gun" programme. The highly selective 20-week training prepares fighter pilots to lead complex combat missions, with only a small fraction of IAF pilots qualifying for it. She has previously become the first woman fighter pilot to participate in the Republic Day parade in 2021.
Key Takeaways
Her achievement highlights the increasing presence of women in elite combat and leadership roles within the Indian Air Force.