The Defence Ministry has decided to induct women fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force on permanent basis. This move comes after six years when the Indian Air Force (IAF) started accepting women pilots on an experimental basis.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that the decision is a testimony to the capability of India's 'Nari Shakti'.

"The Ministry of Defence has decided to convert the experimental scheme for induction of women fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force into a permanent scheme. It is a testimony to the capability of India’s ‘Nari Shakti’ and our PM Modi's commitment towards women empowerment," he said.

"The MoD has decided to convert the Experimental Scheme for Induction of Women Fighter Pilots in the Indian Air Force into a permanent scheme," he tweeted.

Till now 16 women fighter pilots have been commissioned in the Indian Air Force. The Ministry of Defence has now given clearance to make it a permanent scheme.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had paved the way for the entry of women into the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) which has been a male bastion for long. Indian Army has granted a permanent commission to 577 women officers since the Supreme Court verdict in February 2020.

Image credit: ANI