Kudla's Tanushka Becomes First Woman to Pilot IAF's Jaguar Fighter Jet

In a historic milestone for the Indian Air Force, Flying Officer Tanushka Singh has become the first woman to be permanently inducted as a pilot of the Jaguar fighter jet. The aircraft, known for its precision strike capabilities, is a crucial part of India’s combat fleet. Hailing from Mangaluru, Tanushka comes from a proud military lineage, with both her father and grandfather having served in the armed forces. Despite her roots in Uttar Pradesh, she considers Mangaluru her home and embraces its culture. Her father, retired Lieutenant Colonel Ajay Pratap Singh, currently holds a managerial position at MRPL.

Tanushka’s journey to the cockpit began with her education at DPS MRPL School, Suratkal, followed by pre-university studies at Sharada PU College, Mangaluru.

She later earned a B.Tech. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from MIT, Manipal, before joining the Indian Air Force. Initially aspiring to join the Indian Army, she chose the Air Force due to greater opportunities for women in combat roles. After rigorous training at the Air Force Academy, she honed her skills on the Hawk Mk 132 aircraft before being selected for the prestigious Jaguar squadron. As she prepares to return to duty, Tanushka expresses her deep passion for flying, stating, “I felt no fear—only joy. That was the moment I knew this was the life I had always wanted.”