A number of air forces around the world already have women pilots flying fighter aircraft, including in the U.S., Israel and Pakistan.
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There is a rethink in the IAF now, with women pilots winning legal battles for permanent commission, instead of being allowed to serve 14 to 15 years as short service commission officers. “He is very much interested in the air force”, he said.
“We have a lot of roles for fighter pilots or fighter aircraft within the country, especially air defence, training, qualified flying instructor”. So this is an aspiration of the young Indian women and we would like go along with this because it is a progressive step.
And then, the kicker: “We want it to happen as soon as possible”.
The Delhi High Court in 2010 had allowed women a full term service, adding that they deserved better from the government.
Interestingly, on May 12, 2014, ACM Raha had said that women were not suited for flyin fighters.
Talking to mediapersons after participating in a function of Territorial Army at garrison ground here, Mr Parrikar said there can be operational and training problems in giving combating role to women officers.
Raha says the IAF has sent the proposal to the defence ministry. Combat duties on a par with men in guarding the nation would be the ultimate testament to equality even if it’s going to take years from now. You don’t have to go too far back in Indian history to see how a combative figure like the Rani of Jhansi inspired the women of the country.
It was stressed that women fighter pilots were likely to get married and have children, which would bring about pregnancy-induced physiological changes.
Raha, however, said women fighter pilots might not necessarily be sent on cross-border combat missions in case of hostilities.
“The role of IAF is not only limited to fighting a war but also rendering timely assistance during national crisis”.
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Women have been kept away from the battlefield because of fears that they could be tortured if they were captured in combat. The 1.3 million-strong Armed Forces have 59,400 officers.
