Indian President Droupadi Murmu posed with Indian Air Force Pilot leader Shivangi Singh, the first woman to fly the Rafael fighter jet, on Wednesday, seen together at the Ambala Airbase, in Haryana. The moment has effectively put to rest the false claims spread around by Pakistan that the Rafael Pilot was shot down and captured during Operation Sindoor as a prisoner of war.&nbsp;Shivangi Singh is an IAF fighter pilot who is posted with the Golden Arrow squadron. She flew the Rafale with the Indian Air Force and participated in operations linked to the western border tensions. Following the strikes, there was fake news circulated in the media that she was captured in the strikes. However, Press Information Bureau issued a statement, "Contrary to viral social media posts … Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh has not been captured by Pakistan.”&nbsp;President Droupadi Murmu undertook a 30-minute sortie in the Rafael fighter jet in Ambala Air Force Base. &nbsp;The supreme commander of the air force was flown around by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron, in the Rafael fighter jet for 200 km at a speed of 700 km/h. The aircraft rose to around 15000 ft above sea level. This marks the second sortie of President Droupadi Murmu, previously being the Sukhoi 30 MKI in 2023. She becomes the first President to perform this feat.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;The sortie on Rafale is an unforgettable experience for me. This first flight on the potent Rafale aircraft has instilled in me a renewed sense of pride in the nation&#39;s defence capabilities. I congratulate the Indian Air Force and the entire team of Air Force Station, Ambala for… <a href="https://t.co/Ud3LX8uqBU">pic.twitter.com/Ud3LX8uqBU</a>&mdash; President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1983439585024622900?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;"I am delighted to visit Air Force Station Ambala for my maiden flight on Rafale aircraft of the Indian Air Force. The sortie on Rafale is an unforgettable experience for me. This first flight on the potent Rafale aircraft has instilled in me a renewed sense of pride in the nation's defence capabilities. I congratulate the Indian Air Force and the entire team of Air Force Station, Ambala for organising this sortie successfully.” President Droupadi Murmu wrote in a visitor book.

President Droupadi Murmu posed with Rafale pilot Shivangi Singh at Ambala Airbase, silencing Pakistan’s false Operation Sindoor capture claims.

Indian President Droupadi Murmu posed with Indian Air Force Pilot leader Shivangi Singh, the first woman to fly the Rafael fighter jet, on Wednesday, seen together at the Ambala Airbase, in Haryana. The moment has effectively put to rest the false claims spread around by Pakistan that the Rafael Pilot was shot down and captured during Operation Sindoor as a prisoner of war. Shivangi Singh is an IAF fighter pilot who is posted with the Golden Arrow squadron. She flew the Rafale with the Indian Air Force and participated in operations linked to the western border tensions. Following the strikes, there was fake news circulated in the media that she was captured in the strikes. However, Press Information Bureau issued a statement, "Contrary to viral social media posts … Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh has not been captured by Pakistan.” President Droupadi Murmu undertook a 30-minute sortie in the Rafael fighter jet in Ambala Air Force Base. The supreme commander of the air force was flown around by Group Captain Amit Gehani, Commanding Officer of the 17 Squadron, in the Rafael fighter jet for 200 km at a speed of 700 km/h. The aircraft rose to around 15000 ft above sea level. This marks the second sortie of President Droupadi Murmu, previously being the Sukhoi 30 MKI in 2023. She becomes the first President to perform this feat.

President Droupadi Murmu posed with Rafale pilot Shivangi Singh at Ambala Airbase, silencing Pakistan’s false Operation Sindoor capture claims.

President Murmu poses with IAF pilot Shivangi Singh, whom Pakistan falsely claimed to have captured

As the defence forces showcased their strength during the Republic Day celebrations, the Indian Air Force(IAF)&nbsp;tableau displayed the theme "Indian Air Force Transforming for the future".&nbsp;

The tableau showcased models of MiG-21, Gnat, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Aslesha radar and Rafale aircraft.&nbsp;

Last year, Flight Lieutenant Bhawna Kanth had become the first female fighter jet pilot to be part of the Indian Air Force(IAF)&nbsp;tableau.

This year country's first woman Rafale fighter jet pilot &nbsp;Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh was part of the Indian Air Force tableau at the Republic Day parade.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-republic-day-parade-2022-indias-colourful-tableau-on-display-at-rajpath-447603">Also Follow: All you want to know about Republic Day at Rajpath</a>

Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh is from Varanasi city in Uttar Pradesh state and joined the IAF in 2017. She flew the MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft before flying the Rafale.

Flg Lt Shivangi Singh is part of the IAF's Golden Arrows squadron based in Ambala in India's Punjab state.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indias-rafale-ace-flight-lieutenant-shivangi-singh-331789#women-in-indian-navy-286881">Full Profile:&nbsp;Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh</a>

The Indian Navy tableau was also on display at the Republic Day parade at the Rajpath. The tableau was designed to showcase the multi-dimensional capabilities of the Navy as well as highlight key inductions under "Atmanirbhar Bharat".&nbsp;

The contingent of J&amp;K Light Infantry led by Maj Ritesh Tiwari of 5th Battalion of JAK LI marched down the Rajpath during Republic Day celebrations. The contingent was attired in the Indian Army uniform of 1970s and carrying 7.62mm SLR weapons.

The Sikh Light Infantry contingent also took part in the parade at the Rajpath. The Assam Regiment joined the march at the Rajpath on Republic Day.

The Indian Army showcased the Pack Howitzer MK-I indigenously developed gun system. Also on display was the Centurion tank, PT-76, MBT Arjun MK-I and APC Topaz.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As the defence forces showcased their strength during the Republic Day celebrations, the Indian Air Force(IAF) tableau displayed the theme "Indian Air Force Transforming for the future".

As the defence forces showcased their strength during the Republic Day celebrations, the Indian Air Force(IAF) tableau displayed the theme "Indian Air Force Transforming for the future". The tableau showcased models of MiG-21, Gnat, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Aslesha radar and Rafale aircraft. Last year, Flight Lieutenant Bhawna Kanth had become the first female fighter jet pilot to be part of the Indian Air Force(IAF) tableau. This year country's first woman Rafale fighter jet pilot Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh was part of the Indian Air Force tableau at the Republic Day parade. Also Follow: All you want to know about Republic Day at Rajpath Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh is from Varanasi city in Uttar Pradesh state and joined the IAF in 2017. She flew the MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft before flying the Rafale. Flg Lt Shivangi Singh is part of the IAF's Golden Arrows squadron based in Ambala in India's Punjab state. Full Profile: Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh The Indian Navy tableau was also on display at the Republic Day parade at the Rajpath. The tableau was designed to showcase the multi-dimensional capabilities of the Navy as well as highlight key inductions under "Atmanirbhar Bharat". The contingent of J&K Light Infantry led by Maj Ritesh Tiwari of 5th Battalion of JAK LI marched down the Rajpath during Republic Day celebrations. The contingent was attired in the Indian Army uniform of 1970s and carrying 7.62mm SLR weapons. The Sikh Light Infantry contingent also took part in the parade at the Rajpath. The Assam Regiment joined the march at the Rajpath on Republic Day. The Indian Army showcased the Pack Howitzer MK-I indigenously developed gun system. Also on display was the Centurion tank, PT-76, MBT Arjun MK-I and APC Topaz. (With inputs from Agencies)

Meet India's first woman Rafale pilot Shivangi Singh heading IAF tableau at Republic Day

Flying Officers Pratibha and Shivangi Singh got commissioned in the Fighter Stream of Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force today. With this, the number of women fighter pilots in Indian Air Force has gone up to five.

These two officers were among the 15 women officers who joined the elite cadre of Air Force Officers at the Combined Graduation Parade of pilots and ground duty officers held at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal near Hyderabad on Saturday.&nbsp;Pratibha is from Rajgarh (Rajasthan) and Shivangi from Varanasi.

The event marked the momentous occasion of the passing out of 105 flight cadets as flying officers of the Indian Air Force. The occasion also marked the passing out of 200th Pilot&rsquo;s course of Indian Air Force officers, a long way forward since the humble beginning of the training of Indian trainees at Royal Air Force College, Cranwell in Oct 1931.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa had recently said that India&#39;s first three women fighter pilots &mdash;&nbsp;Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh &mdash;&nbsp;will fly the MIG-21 Bison fighter planes to begin with.

The trio were commissioned as flying officers in July 2016 after the Fighter Stream was opened for women on an experimental basis and are likely to fly fighter jets soon after completing a strenuous training programme. These three women fighter pilots are likely to be posted together once they start flying fighter jets so that they can learn from each other&#39;s experiences and also have company.

The Combined Graduation Parade marks the culmination of a rigorous training schedule of one year and heralds the entry of another generation of officers in the Indian Air Force. The flight cadets undergo professional and advanced training at various institutions besides Air Force Academy, viz., Air Force Stations Hakimpet, Begumpet, Yelahanka, and Air Force Administrative College (Coimbatore) as per their specialisation and finally pass-out together from the portals of the majestic &quot;Sekhon&quot;&nbsp;Block of the Air Force Academy.

The parade, in its full grandeur, marked with impeccably turned-out cadets and their perfectly synchronised drill movements demonstrating conviction and commitment, was witnessed by a large gathering of military and civil dignitaries along with proud family members and friends of the graduating flight cadets.&nbsp;

Congratulating the passing-out cadets, the Chief of the Naval Staff said, &quot;It is a matter of great honour to review the Combined Graduation Parade of flight cadets and witness these fine men and women joining the Indian Air Force as future military leaders and aviators&quot;.

He emphasised in his address, the importance of core values of a military leader ie&nbsp;integrity, courage, honesty, and selfless service to the nation. He reminded that there can be nothing more satisfying than participating in the defence of one&rsquo;s nation. He exhorted the young officers to carry forward the espoused legacy and the core values of the Indian Air Force namely, &lsquo;Mission, Integrity and Excellence&rsquo;, in every walk of life. The newly commissioned officers were administered oath by the Commandant of the Academy.&nbsp;

The grand Graduation Parade culminated with a well-synchronised display by the PC-7 MK II (the aircraft currently used in AFA to train greenhorn pilots), Kiran, Hawk aircraft and the Sarang Helicopter team and breathtaking aerobatics by the full-member Suryakiran Formation Aerobatic team, enthralling the audience.&nbsp;

The number of women fighter pilots in Indian Air Force has now gone up to five

Flying Officers Pratibha and Shivangi Singh got commissioned in the Fighter Stream of Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force today. With this, the number of women fighter pilots in Indian Air Force has gone up to five. These two officers were among the 15 women officers who joined the elite cadre of Air Force Officers at the Combined Graduation Parade of pilots and ground duty officers held at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal near Hyderabad on Saturday. Pratibha is from Rajgarh (Rajasthan) and Shivangi from Varanasi. The event marked the momentous occasion of the passing out of 105 flight cadets as flying officers of the Indian Air Force. The occasion also marked the passing out of 200th Pilot’s course of Indian Air Force officers, a long way forward since the humble beginning of the training of Indian trainees at Royal Air Force College, Cranwell in Oct 1931. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa had recently said that India's first three women fighter pilots — Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh — will fly the MIG-21 Bison fighter planes to begin with. The trio were commissioned as flying officers in July 2016 after the Fighter Stream was opened for women on an experimental basis and are likely to fly fighter jets soon after completing a strenuous training programme. These three women fighter pilots are likely to be posted together once they start flying fighter jets so that they can learn from each other's experiences and also have company. The Combined Graduation Parade marks the culmination of a rigorous training schedule of one year and heralds the entry of another generation of officers in the Indian Air Force. The flight cadets undergo professional and advanced training at various institutions besides Air Force Academy, viz., Air Force Stations Hakimpet, Begumpet, Yelahanka, and Air Force Administrative College (Coimbatore) as per their specialisation and finally pass-out together from the portals of the majestic "Sekhon" Block of the Air Force Academy. The parade, in its full grandeur, marked with impeccably turned-out cadets and their perfectly synchronised drill movements demonstrating conviction and commitment, was witnessed by a large gathering of military and civil dignitaries along with proud family members and friends of the graduating flight cadets. Congratulating the passing-out cadets, the Chief of the Naval Staff said, "It is a matter of great honour to review the Combined Graduation Parade of flight cadets and witness these fine men and women joining the Indian Air Force as future military leaders and aviators". He emphasised in his address, the importance of core values of a military leader ie integrity, courage, honesty, and selfless service to the nation. He reminded that there can be nothing more satisfying than participating in the defence of one’s nation. He exhorted the young officers to carry forward the espoused legacy and the core values of the Indian Air Force namely, ‘Mission, Integrity and Excellence’, in every walk of life. The newly commissioned officers were administered oath by the Commandant of the Academy. The grand Graduation Parade culminated with a well-synchronised display by the PC-7 MK II (the aircraft currently used in AFA to train greenhorn pilots), Kiran, Hawk aircraft and the Sarang Helicopter team and breathtaking aerobatics by the full-member Suryakiran Formation Aerobatic team, enthralling the audience.

Indian Air Force gets two more women fighter pilots

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President Murmu poses with IAF pilot Shivangi Singh, whom Pakistan falsely claimed to have captured

Meet India's first woman Rafale pilot Shivangi Singh heading IAF tableau at Republic Day

Indian Air Force gets two more women fighter pilots