With the commissioning of 16 female fighter pilots into the Indian Air Force, what began as an experiment has become a permanent feature. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Tuesday that the government has decided to make the experimental scheme permanent. This clears the way for more women to fly fighter jets in the future.

"The Ministry of Defence has decided to make the experimental scheme for the recruitment of female fighter pilots into the Indian Air Force permanent. It demonstrates the capability of India's 'Nari Shakti' and our Prime Minister Modi's commitment to women's empowerment "According to Rajnath Singh.

The first woman Rafale fighter jet pilot, Shivangi Singh, was seen on the IAF tableau during the Republic Day parade. Flight Lieutenant Bhawna Kanth became the Indian Air Force's first female fighter pilot last year.

The experimental scheme to recruit female fighter pilots began in 2016. Initially, three female fighter pilots were among the first batch, but the number quickly increased. There are now 16 female pilots flying fighter jets such as the Rafale, Su30 MKI, and MiG 21 Bison. With their inclusion as fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force in 2015, women gained access to combat roles previously reserved for men in the armed forces. The army has also allowed women to fly in its aviation branch, and the Navy has female officers on board warships.
Other opportunities are emerging as well. The Indian Army promoted five women to the rank of colonel last year after they had served for 26 years.
This was the first time that a woman officer rose to the rank of Colonel outside of the Army Medical Corps (AMC), Judge Advocate General (JAG), and Army Education Corps (AEC) (AEC).

The Supreme Court has also approved the appointment of women to positions of command. Women are also being recruited to serve in the Assam Rifles and the Corps of Military Police. Women can now enlist as cadets at the National Defense Academy.

Since the Supreme Court's decision in February 2020, the Indian Army has given permanent commissions to 577 women officers. In addition to the existing streams of Judge and Advocate General (JAG) and Army Educational Corps, Short Service Commissioned (SSC) women officers may be granted permanent commissions in the Army Air Defence (AAD), Signals, Engineers, Army Aviation, Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME), Army Service Corps (ASC), Army Ordnance Corps (AOC), and Intelligence Corps (AEC).

Women officers still cannot serve in infantry, artillery and armoured corps—combat wings of the army deployed at the most forward locations.