Vyomika Singh - The Progress Catalyst

Chief Editor's Desk
7 days ago
3 min read

Daughter of the Skies

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh is a distinguished helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF), renowned for her pivotal role in Operation Sindoor—a precision military strike targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in May 2025.

Vyomika Singh - The Progress Catalyst (source: telegraphindia.com) — Vyomika Singh

As a first-generation military officer, Vyomika Singh has exemplified courage and leadership, becoming a catalyst for progress in the Indian armed forces.

Nationality: Indian

Hometown: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Education: Engineering

Service Years: 2004-present

Rank: Wing Commander

Unit: Indian Air Force

Aircraft Flown: Chetak, Cheetah helicopters

Impact Maker Vyomika Singh

Vyomika Singh's journey to the skies began with a childhood aspiration, inspired by the meaning of her name—"one who resides in the sky." Her participation in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) during her school years laid the foundation for her military career. Commissioned into the IAF on 18 December 2004, Singh has accumulated over 2,500 flying hours, operating in challenging terrains such as Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast. Her exemplary service includes a notable rescue mission in Arunachal Pradesh in November 2020, showcasing her commitment to humanitarian efforts. Singh's dedication and skill have made her an impactful figure in the IAF, inspiring many to pursue careers in defence.

Change Maker Vyomika Singh

Vyomika Singh's career is marked by her role as a change-maker in the Indian military. In 2021, she was part of a tri-services all-women mountaineering expedition to Mount Manirang, reaching an altitude of 21,625 feet, as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. This expedition highlighted the increasing participation of women in challenging military roles. Singh's leadership was further evident when she co-led the media briefing for Operation Sindoor in May 2025, alongside Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. This marked a significant moment, with two senior women officers representing the armed forces in a high-level joint media interaction, reflecting the evolving dynamics of gender roles within the military.

Progress Catalyst Vyomika Singh

Vyomika Singh - The Progress Catalyst (source: news18.com)

Beyond her operational achievements, Vyomika Singh has been a catalyst for progress in the Indian armed forces. Her journey from being the first in her family to join the military to becoming a Wing Commander underscores the expanding opportunities for women in defence services. Granted a permanent commission in the IAF's flying branch on 18 December 2019, Singh's career progression exemplifies the breaking of traditional barriers. Her visibility and leadership in critical operations have not only challenged gender norms but have also paved the way for future generations of women in the military, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity and diversity in national defence.

Achievements & Recognitions

Over 2,500 flying hours in diverse and challenging terrains.
Led a significant rescue mission in Arunachal Pradesh in 2020.
Participated in the 2021 all-women Mount Manirang expedition.
Co-led the media briefing for Operation Sindoor in 2025.
Received the Signal Officer-in-Chief's appreciation for exemplary performance.
Signal Officer-in-Chief's appreciation for services during flood relief operations.
Recognition from senior defence officials for participation in the Mount Manirang expedition.