Bhawana Kanth Becomes India’s First Woman Fighter Combat Leader

Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth became the first woman pilot in India to clear the Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) course on 6 August 2026. She completed the course at the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) in Gwalior, which trains selected IAF pilots in air combat tactics and leadership.

Fighter Combat Leader Course

The Fighter Combat Leader course is a 20-week advanced training programme for Indian Air Force fighter pilots. It is among the most selective professional courses in the IAF, with only about 1 per cent of selected pilots completing it successfully. Graduates are trained to lead complex frontline air combat missions.

Bhawana Kanth’s Career in the Indian Air Force

Bhawana Kanth was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in June 2016 as part of India’s first batch of women fighter pilots. The batch also included Avani Chaturvedi and Mohana Singh. In May 2019, she became the first Indian woman fighter pilot to qualify for daytime combat missions.

Aircraft, Awards and Public Appearances

Kanth initially flew the MiG-21 Bison and later transitioned to the Su-30 MKI, both of which are fighter aircraft used by the Indian Air Force. She received the Nari Shakti Puraskar on 8 March 2020, which is India’s highest civilian honour for women. On 26 January 2021, she became the first female fighter pilot to take part in the Indian Air Force Republic Day parade tableau in New Delhi.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment is located in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
• The Fighter Combat Leader course is a 20-week programme for advanced air combat training.
• India’s first batch of women fighter pilots was commissioned in June 2016.
• The Nari Shakti Puraskar is presented on International Women’s Day, which falls on 8 March.