Indian Air Force Wing Commander Shaliza Dhami has become the first female officer in the country to become the Flight Commander of a flying unit.
Flight Commander is the second in the command of the unit.
Dhami, who has been serving the air force for 15 years, has been flying choppers. She became the first woman flying instructor of the air force and is also the first woman officer to get permanent commission of the flying branch.
Dhami took over as Flight Commander of a Chetak helicopter unit at Hindon air base in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Chetak is a single engine turbo shaft, light utility helicopter with capacity of 6 passengers and a maximum speed of 220 km/hour.
According to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), “The helicopter is suitable for commuting, cargo/material transport, casualty evacuation, Search and Rescue (SAR), Aerial Survey and Patrolling, Emergency Medical Services, Off-shore operations and Under slung operations.”
Her elevation in the flying branch is moving a step closer towards women officers commanding units and formations in the service.
A few days ago, on 15 August, Squadron leader Minty Agarwal with several other officers was awarded the Yudh Seva Medal.
Agarwal was part of a team of flight controllers working behind the scenes of the Balakot airstrike on 26 February and the morning after, when Pakistani fighter jets had entered Indian airspace to retaliate.
After years of fighting stereotypes over the years to be included in combat roles, women are getting their due.
In July, 2018, IAF had decided that it will induct women as fighter pilots.
In May, Flight Lieutenant Mohana Singh scripted history by becoming the first woman IAF pilot to become operational on Hawk advanced jet aircraft.
On 19 February, Avani Chaturvedi had become the first Indian woman to fly MiG 21 Bison, solo.
This comes after a had-fought legal victory was achieved in 2010 when a high court verdict granted women officers the right to permanent commissions.
(With inputs from ANI, The Economic Times, HAL).
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