Success Story: From Touching Planes as a Child to Soaring the Skies – Shivangi Singh Becomes India’s Only Rafale Fighter Pilot

Shivangi Singh’s journey from a young girl who dreamed of flying to becoming India’s first and only female Rafale fighter pilot is an inspiring tale of courage, talent, and determination. Reflecting on her journey, Shivangi said, “My mother was a huge source of inspiration. She didn’t just want me to study—she wanted me to be free, and she supported me in everything I did. She gave her full strength behind my dreams.”

Childhood Dreams of Flying

Born on 15 March 1995 in Pulwaria village, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Shivangi grew up in a family of two brothers, Mayank and Shubhanshu, and a sister, Himanshi. Her father is Kumreshwar Singh and mother, Seema Singh. Shivangi’s passion for flying was sparked during her first visit to the Air Force Museum in Delhi, where she realized that she wanted to become a pilot.

Education and Early Training

Shivangi completed her early schooling at St. Joseph’s Convent School and Sunbeam School, Varanasi. She joined the National Cadet Corps (NCC), serving in the 7th UP Air Squadron, and represented Uttar Pradesh during the Republic Day Parade in 2013. She graduated from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) with a bachelor’s degree.

Immediately after college in 2016, Shivangi cleared the AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) and joined the Air Force Academy, Hyderabad. In 2017, she became part of the second batch of women fighter pilots in India.

Becoming India’s First Female Rafale Pilot

Starting her career on challenging jets like the MiG-21 Bison, Shivangi is now soaring the skies in the Rafale fighter jet—becoming the country’s first and only female Rafale pilot. In 2020, she flew the Rafale for the first time after extensive training on modern aircraft systems, including Thales AESA radar and state-of-the-art strike systems.

Strength from Her Mother

Shivangi credits her success to her mother’s unwavering support, saying, “I succeeded in a field long reserved for men. If I can do it, women can excel in any sector.”

Wing Commander and Flying Instructor

Shivangi Singh has now joined the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer Fleet and will train new pilots, strengthening India’s air power. She recently completed one of the toughest training programs in military aviation—the Flying Instructor course at Air Force Station Tambaram, Tamil Nadu—and was awarded the Flying Instructor badge by Air Marshal Tejbir Singh.

Shivangi Singh’s journey is not only a testament to personal perseverance but also a source of inspiration for youth across India, proving that determination and hard work can break barriers and make the sky the limit.