Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 25The first batch of women fighter pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) is slated to pass out of the IAF training academy on June 18. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar will be chief guest on the occasion.These women pilot have been selected for combat role. At present, they are flying training aircraft, Kiran. After passing out from the academy, they will be sent for one-year training in combat role.The air force has allowed three women in combat stream for five years, on experiment basis. Women pilots in the IAF are cleared for all operational roles, including low-level tactical flying, para drop, air maintenance (northern and eastern sector) and special heli-borne operation. The women pilots undergo jungle and snow-survival course.They have undergone stage-I and stage-II training at the academy and have been assessed for their suitability. Now they will get training in the fighter stream.