IAF Rafale Pioneer Shivangi Singh Joins Hawk Training Fleet, Debunks Pakistan Misinformation

Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, India’s first woman Rafale pilot, has taken on a significant new assignment within the Indian Air Force (IAF), marking yet another milestone in a career defined by excellence and resilience. She has transitioned from frontline fighter operations to an instructor role with the IAF’s Hawk training fleet, where she will now be responsible for shaping and mentoring the next generation of combat aviators.

Her career move comes in the aftermath of fabricated claims circulated by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Pakistani media outlets pushed false reports that Singh had been captured—claims that were swiftly dismissed by the Indian Air Force as baseless misinformation. The IAF clarified that she remained on duty and continued her professional responsibilities unhindered, exposing the hoax as yet another attempt at propaganda.

Commissioned in 2017, Shivangi Singh hails from Varanasi and belongs to the second batch of women fighter pilots inducted into the IAF. Her operational journey began with the MiG-21 Bison, where she honed her flying skills during demanding sorties before moving to the elite Rafale squadron in Ambala. There, she became widely recognised for her work during high-intensity missions, bilateral and multilateral exercises, and strategic deployments.

Her professionalism earned broader public attention earlier this year when she accompanied President Droupadi Murmu on a Rafale sortie, symbolising the growing trust the IAF places in its woman combat pilots and reflecting India’s evolving military ethos.

In response to the Pakistan-origin misinformation regarding Singh, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari categorically rejected the claims, referring to them as “Manohar Kahaaniyaan”—a reminder that the IAF would not be distracted by attempts to distort facts or affect morale. He instead praised the officer’s established credentials, which were further reinforced by her recent graduation from the prestigious Flying Instructors School in Tambaram. The course is considered one of the toughest in military aviation, designed to test not only flying proficiency but instructional aptitude and leadership qualities.

By joining the Hawk training fleet as an instructor, Singh is now positioned to play a pivotal role in the IAF’s fighter training pipeline. Her experience with legacy aircraft like the MiG-21 and cutting-edge platforms such as the Rafale gives her unique insight into the evolving demands of aerial combat. According to officials, her new role will focus on grooming young pilots, enhancing their operational discipline, tactical awareness and mission preparedness.

Shivangi Singh’s career represents a blend of trailblazing achievement and steadfast resolve. Her transition into the training command not only strengthens the IAF’s instructional capability but also serves as a powerful message of empowerment, professionalism and continuity in the face of misinformation. As she begins shaping the future fighter stream, her journey continues to inspire countless young Indians—especially women aspiring to join the armed forces.