Wing Commander Vijayalakshmi to Lieutenant Deeksha Tripathi: Lesser-Known Women Trailblazers of Indian Armed Forces
While women officers across all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces have consistently participated in adventure activities, their recent forays into domains once exclusively reserved for male soldiers mark a significant evolution in military history. This shift highlights the expanding roles and growing recognition of women in defense services.
Lieutenant Deeksha Tripathi's Historic Achievement
In March, Lieutenant Deeksha Tripathi captured considerable attention by becoming the first female officer to qualify for the grueling Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR) program. This combat-oriented course rigorously tests physical endurance and mental resilience, representing one of the most challenging training regimens in the military.
Women officers have long engaged in activities like para-jumping, long-distance running, sailing expeditions, and car and bike rallies. However, their entry into traditionally male-dominated combat and operational areas is a relatively recent development that underscores changing dynamics within the forces.
The Historical Journey of Women in Indian Defense
The involvement of women in India's defense services dates back to 1888 with the establishment of the Military Nursing Service, initially open only to British nurses. The first Indian nurse joined in 1914, and by 1943, members of the Indian Military Nursing Service were granted commissioned officer status and formally integrated into the Army.
In 1958, women doctors received regular commissions in the Army Medical Corps under terms equal to men. A pivotal moment arrived in 1992 when short service commissions were opened for women officers in non-combat arms and services across all three branches, with the first batch entering service in 1993. Another milestone occurred with the enrollment of the first batch of women Agniveers for the rank and file, starting with the Corps of Military Police.
Today, women officers serve in almost all arms and services of the Indian Army, except the Infantry and Armoured Corps, including combat arms and combat support arms like Artillery and Army Aviation. In the Air Force, they are inducted into all branches, including as fighter pilots, while in the Navy, they serve on warships at sea and as fighter pilots. Women officers now hold command positions, with those in the medical stream reaching the highest rank of Lieutenant General and equivalent.
Profiles of Pioneering Women Officers
Wing Commander Vijayalakshmi Ramanan made history as the first woman officer to receive a regular commission in the Indian Army as a doctor in 1995, paving the way for future women officers. She served in the male-dominated Army Medical Corps through three wars.
Captain CR Leena of the Army Medical Corps became the first woman officer to receive a gallantry award. Commissioned in 1989, she was awarded the Sena Medal (Gallantry) in 1995 for her courage as a Regimental Medical Officer in Kashmir, providing medical care under fire in combat conditions.
Captain Ruchi Sharma achieved the distinction of being the first operational woman paratrooper. Commissioned in 1996 into the Army Ordnance Corps, she volunteered for parachute training, qualified in 1997, and served in operational areas like Ladakh attached to the Parachute Regiment.
Flight Lieutenants Gunjan Saxena and Sreevidya Rajan became the Indian Air Force's first helicopter pilots to fly in a combat zone during the 1999 Kargil conflict. They flew Cheetah helicopters for reconnaissance and casualty evacuation at high altitudes, navigating tough terrain and evading enemy fire.
Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi, among the first three women IAF fighter pilots, was the first woman fighter pilot to participate in an aerial wargame abroad. As a Su-30MKI pilot, she took part in a 16-day air combat exercise with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force at Hyakuri airbase.
Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia made history in 2025 by becoming the first woman pilot to join the fighter stream of Naval Aviation, receiving the Wings of Gold during graduation at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam.
Captain Shiva Chauhan of the Corps of Engineers became the first woman Army officer deployed operationally at the Siachen Glacier in January 2023. Posted to Kumar Post at 15,600 feet after training at the Siachen Battle School, she endured sub-zero temperatures, avalanches, and extreme isolation.
Wing Commander Anjali Singh marked a historic milestone as the first Indian woman military diplomat posted to an overseas mission, serving as Deputy Air Attaché at the Embassy of India in Russia in 2019.
Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth, also among the first three women fighter pilots, was the first daytime Indian woman fighter pilot qualified for combat missions. She participated in the Republic Day Parade in 2021 and the 2024 flypast.
Captain Hansja Sharma became the first woman Rudra helicopter pilot in the Indian Army, leading the No. 251 Army Aviation Squadron in the Republic Day flypast in 2026.
Colonel Ponung Doming from the Corps of Engineers is the first woman officer to command the world's highest Border Roads Task Force above 15,000 feet in the Northern sector, with multiple achievements in over 20 years of service.
Captain Abhilasha Barak, a Rudra Advanced Light Helicopter pilot, became the first woman combat aviator in the Indian Army in 2022, joining frontline units after clearing the tough Army Aviation course.
Major Deeksha C. Mududevan from the Army Medical Corps was the first woman awarded the coveted Balidan Badge in 2023, identifying her as a member of the elite Special Forces. She qualified for the Parachute Regiment as a Regimental Medical Officer on her third attempt and won the best in physical training award during the Military Observer Basic Course.
Broader Contributions and Future Outlook
Beyond combat and operational roles, women officers have excelled in sports and adventure, including circumnavigating the globe and microlite flying. They have also participated with distinction in various United Nations peacekeeping missions, showcasing their versatility and dedication.
As the role of women in the Indian Armed Forces continues to evolve, these trailblazers exemplify the courage, resilience, and leadership that are driving progress and inspiring future generations. Their stories highlight a transformative journey from limited support functions to diverse operational and leadership positions, reinforcing the integral role of women in national defense.
