In the vast skies above India, a new chapter in aviation history has been written by Squadron Leader Mohana Singh Jitarwal, the first woman fighter pilot to command the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Her groundbreaking achievement not only shatters long-standing gender barriers but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless women across the nation. Mohana’s story is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to her dreams, proving that the sky is no limit when passion meets perseverance.

Early Life and Inspiration

Born on January 22, 1992, in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, Mohana Singh Jitarwal hails from a family steeped in military tradition. Her father, Pratap Singh Jitarwal, served as a Master Warrant Officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF), while her grandfather, a flight gunner in the Aviation Research Centre, was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra for his bravery. Growing up surrounded by tales of valor and service, Mohana developed a deep sense of patriotism and an ambition to soar high in the skies.

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Her childhood was marked by a blend of academic excellence and extracurricular enthusiasm. She completed her schooling at The Air Force School in New Delhi, where she was exposed to the disciplined environment of military life. Later, she pursued a BTech in Electronics & Communication from the Global Institute of Management and Emerging Technologies in Amritsar, Punjab. Beyond academics, Mohana’s hobbies—roller skating, badminton, singing, and painting—reflected her vibrant and multifaceted personality. Yet, her heart was set on one goal: to become a fighter pilot, a dream inspired by her family’s legacy and her own unyielding determination.

Breaking Barriers in the Indian Air Force

In 2016, the Indian government made a historic decision to open the fighter pilot stream to women on an experimental basis, a move that challenged decades of tradition in the male-dominated armed forces. Mohana Singh Jitarwal, along with Bhawana Kanth and Avani Chaturvedi, seized this opportunity to etch their names in history. The trio became the first women to be inducted as fighter pilots in the IAF, formally commissioned by then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in June 2016.

This milestone was more than a personal triumph for Mohana; it was a watershed moment for gender equality in India’s military. The induction of women into combat roles signaled a shift in societal norms, opening doors for future generations to pursue careers previously deemed unattainable. Mohana’s journey to this point was not without challenges. The rigorous training, high expectations, and societal scrutiny tested her resolve, but her passion for flying kept her focused.

Her early career saw her flying MiG-21 Bison aircraft with the No. 3 ‘Cobras’ Squadron at Nal Air Force Station near Bikaner, Rajasthan. In June 2019, she achieved another first by becoming fully operational by day on the Hawk Mk.132, logging over 380 incident-free flying hours at Kalaikunda Air Force Station. These accomplishments showcased her skill and dedication, earning her respect among her peers and superiors.

Flying the Tejas: A Historic Milestone

In 2024, Mohana Singh Jitarwal achieved her most celebrated feat yet: becoming the first woman fighter pilot to fly the LCA Tejas, India’s indigenously developed fighter jet. She joined the elite 18 ‘Flying Bullets’ Squadron, based at Naliya Air Force Station in Gujarat, near the border with Pakistan. The Tejas, a symbol of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, is a state-of-the-art aircraft equipped with modern technology, and Mohana’s role in piloting it underscores her exceptional capabilities.

Her participation in the ‘Tarang Shakti’ multilateral air exercise in Jodhpur further highlighted her prowess. During this event, she not only flew the Tejas but also instructed the Vice Chiefs of the Indian Army and Navy during a historic flight, demonstrating the IAF’s trust in her expertise. This exercise, which included participation from global air forces like those of the US, Greece, and Australia, showcased India’s growing military capabilities and Mohana’s pivotal role in representing the nation.

Also Read: Meet Major Abhilasha Barak: India’s First Woman Combat Aviator

A Role Model for Aspiring Pilots

Mohana Singh’s journey is a powerful testament to the strength of perseverance and passion. Despite the weight of societal expectations and the challenges of being a pioneer, she has remained steadfast in her pursuit of excellence. In her own words, “कई बार अनकहे एक्सपेक्टेशंस G-सूट से भी भारी लगते थे… लेकिन हार मानना? वो मेरी चेकलिस्ट में कभी था ही नहीं” (Many times unspoken expectations felt heavier than the G-suit… but giving up? It was never on my checklist). This quote encapsulates her resilience and determination, qualities that have defined her career.

Her contributions have been widely recognized. In 2020, she was honored with the Nari Shakti Puraskar, awarded by President Ram Nath Kovind, for her role in empowering women. This accolade, along with her historic achievements, has made her a role model for young women aspiring to break barriers in any field, particularly in the armed forces.

Mohana’s story also highlights the IAF’s commitment to gender equality. Since 2016, around 20 women have joined the fighter pilot stream, with Mohana’s contemporaries, Bhawana Kanth and Avani Chaturvedi, now flying Su-30 MKI jets in the western desert. Together, they represent a new era of inclusivity and opportunity in the military.

Personal Life and Legacy

At 32, Mohana Singh Jitarwal balances her demanding career with a personal life grounded in family values. She is married to Mohit, a businessman, and continues to draw strength from her parents—her father, Pratap Singh, and her mother, Manju Singh, a teacher. Her family’s support has been instrumental in her success, reinforcing the importance of a strong foundation in achieving one’s dreams.

Mohana’s legacy extends beyond her individual achievements. She has become a symbol of progress, inspiring not only women but also communities like her native Jhunjhunu, where her accomplishments are celebrated with pride. Her story encourages parents to support their daughters’ ambitions, as evidenced by local sentiments urging families to provide higher education and opportunities for girls.

Also Read: Meet Colonel Sapna Rana: Himachal’s 1st Woman Colonel in Indian Army

Conclusion

Squadron Leader Mohana Singh Jitarwal’s journey is a narrative of courage, skill, and unwavering determination. From her childhood dreams in Rajasthan to her historic flights in the LCA Tejas, she has redefined what is possible for women in India’s armed forces. Her achievements are a proud moment for the nation, reflecting India’s strides toward gender equality and self-reliance in defense.

As Mohana continues to soar high, she leaves behind a trail of inspiration for countless others to follow. Her story is a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and the courage to challenge stereotypes, the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.

Key Achievements of Squadron Leader Mohana Singh Jitarwal

The 40 mm single barrel L-70 uses electro-optical systems, thermal imagers and data from air defence networks to target hostile platforms

The Army’s legacy L-70 anti-aircraft guns — that played a key role in shooting down Pakistani drones during Operation Sindoor in May this year — are in for a significant upgrade with a move to retrofit them with fire control radars that specialise in detecting small drones.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is procuring Air Defence Fire Control Radar-Drone Detector that is specifically designed to detect very small flying objects. The 40 mm single barrel L-70, though upgraded over the years, uses electro-optical systems, thermal imagers and data from air defence networks to target hostile platforms.

The Army Air Defence (AAD), a separate combat arm, is mandated to provide terminal all weather air defence protection to the nominated high value assets in the Tactical Battle Area and rear areas.

The threat to these assets from hostile aerial platforms has been constantly evolving and the threat manifestation has transitioned from fighter aircrafts and helicopters to low flying, electrically operated drones having very low radar cross section (RCS) and infrared (lR) signatures, as has been observed from recent conflicts in Russia-Ukraine, lsrael-Hamas and lndia-Pakistan, a request for information (RFI) issued by the MoD on August 1 states.

“During Operation Sindoor, our adversary on the Western Front relied mostly on drones and swarm drones not only for surveillance but also to cause damage to civil as well as defence installations,” the RFI points out.

Air Defence guns to include L-70, ZU-2B and Schilka weapon systems, having high rate of fire and using smart ammunition performed exceptionally well to ensure cost effective neutralization of these threats, thereby ensuring minimal damage to the protected assets, according to the document.

“In order to further enhance the potential of L-70 guns, there is a need for fire control radar (FCR) capable of detecting, identifying, classifying and controlling the fire of weapon systems to neutralise the smallest of the surveillance and attack drones,” the RFI adds.

The FCR is visualised to comprise of a search radar, track radar, fire control system, an electro optical fire control system (EOFCS), laser range finder, identification of friend or foe system and a power supply unit.

The search radar should provide track-while-scan capability of up to 25 targets. The radar is required to be light weight, mounted on a single light 4×4 vehicle and be capable of controlling the fire of a minimum of two air defence guns.

The FCS will receive target information from the search radar, track radar and EOFCS and will simultaneously carry out ballistic computation and provide appropriate firing solutions to the gun systems. The target information will also be transmitted to the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) and shoulder launched Air Defence Missile System.

Over the last few years, Bharat Electronics Limited upgraded the L-70 guns with electric drives to replace the mechanical systems, electro-optical sensors and fire control computers that also enabled them to be integrated into the air defence and anti-drone networks. Real-time data fusion enabled these systems to receive inputs from surveillance radars allowing rapid orientation and engagement. The Army has a large number of L-70 guns.

The ambitious Zojila Tunnel project in Jammu & Kashmir has been hit by a series of delays and rising costs, with the completion deadline now extended to February 2028, over a year beyond the original schedule. The project, which was initially slated to be completed by September 2026, has made only 64 per cent physical progress so far.

In a written reply to Parliament, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, attributed the delays to a combination of factors, including disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, a terrorist attack at the nearby Sonamarg Tunnel Project, and prolonged spells of harsh weather in the region.

The Zojila Tunnel, expected to significantly improve connectivity between Srinagar and Leh by ensuring year-round road access through the strategic Zojila Pass, is now expected to be completed nearly 17 months later than planned.

The project’s financial outlay has also seen a sharp increase. The total estimated cost currently stands at Rs 6,809 crore, out of which Rs 3,934.42 crore has already been spent. Officials say the remaining work will continue under strict monitoring to avoid further cost overruns.

As per data shared by the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the project currently employs 1,141 persons. Of these, a significant 77% belong to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, and 28% of the overall workforce hails specifically from the Ganderbal district, the region in which part of the project is located.

An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Friday, officials said.

The Kashmir police said that the gunfight began in the Akhal area of Kulgam district. “J&K Police’s Special Operations Group, Army and Central Reserve Police Force are on the job,” the police said in a post on X. A senior police official said the operation is underway in a mountainous area and additional reinforcements have been rushed to the spot.

Earlier on Friday, J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat, accompanied by Kashmir IGP VK Birdi, visited Kulgam to assess the security situation. Police sources said DGP Prabhat held an “operational review” with the Army’s General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Victor Force and senior officers of the J&K Police and Army in Kulgam.

After more than a century of 282 soldiers being buried alive in Ajnala, historian pushes for exhibit of discovered relics

Neha Saini Tribune News Service

About 168 years ago, on August 1, 1857, 282 Indian soldiers of the 26th Bengal Native Infantry Regiment were buried in a large well in Ajnala Tehsil on the orders of Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Frederick Henry Cooper. The well was then covered with soil.

After 157 years, historian and researcher Surinder Kochhar, who played a critical role in discovering the well and retrieving the skeletons of the 282 soldiers buried there, today submitted a demand letter to SDM Ajnala, Ravinder Singh Arora, requesting that the relics excavated from the well be recovered by the local administration and displayed in a museum.

The site was originally part of the main cantonment. Later, in 1972, a dargah was established there, followed by the construction of a gurdwara over the site. Kochhar said he first learned about the incident and the burial of the soldiers in the well in 2006 through historical books and documents. “However, it was on February 28, 2014, with the cooperation of the local people of Ajnala and the Gurdwara Committee, that the skeletons of the Indian soldiers and other relics were recovered. The excavation took place in the presence of administrative officials and thousands of locals. Later, these remains were placed under state government custody and handed over to Banaras Hindu University for DNA analysis,” he said.

A decade later, Kochhar claims they have identified four families who are descendants of one of the soldiers buried in 1857. “The DNA analysis of teeth found at the time helped identify their families. We hope to identify at least 50 families,” said Kochhar, who served as tourism advisor during former Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal’s tenure and led the rediscovery.

According to historians who have written on the subject, these soldiers were buried, some alive, between July 31 and August 1, 1857. As many as 282 sepoys, who had rebelled against the colonial rule, were captured by British forces while on their way to Lahore and massacred. The incident is mentioned in the works of Giani Hira Singh Dard, an eminent Punjabi writer, historian and editor of the Amritsar-based Punjabi magazine Phulwari.

The relics found in the well included two lion-faced bracelets, three Victoria medals, a silver buckle, seven stone tablets, coins (including a one-rupee coin dated 1835), copper coins and other items. Kochhar said these relics are currently in the possession of the former president of the Gurdwara Committee. He added that these should be immediately recovered and preserved for exhibition in a museum.

“The biggest lacunae is that while the mortal remains of the soldiers attracted attention at the time, the other recovered items were neglected. Many of these relics have either been sold or entered the black market due to a lack of action by the local and state authorities,” he added.

The largest potential deal on the table is the Indian Air Force’s tender to procure and manufacture 114 multi-role fighter jets

Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service

Trump’s move casts shadow over US arms deals in India

The largest potential deal on the table is the Indian Air Force’s tender to procure and manufacture 114 multi-role fighter jets

Ajay BanerjeeTribune News Service

File photo for representational purpose only.

US President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs and penalties on India is expected to rebound on American defence firms bidding for multi-billion-dollar projects in India, sources said.

For now, New Delhi is holding off on approving any major defence deals with the US until tempers cool, they added.Barring a few exceptions, most military procurement projects — including fighter jets, transport aircraft, specialised vehicles and anti-tank systems — fall under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. This means any US company securing a contract must partner with an Indian firm and establish manufacturing facilities locally, marking a strategic shift in India’s defence acquisition policy.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We have a strong defence partnership with the US, which has been strengthening over the last several years.” He added that the relationship has potential to grow further under the India-US ‘COMPACT’ arrangement for the 21st century.

COMPACT — Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology — was announced in February following a meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Among the major deals in the pipeline is India’s procurement of six additional Boeing P-8I long-range maritime surveillance aircraft. These aircraft, capable of anti-submarine warfare, were officially confirmed during the Modi-Trump meeting. A joint statement noted that terms for the P-8I deal were agreed upon and the contract is nearing finalisation.

India had earlier procured 12 P-8I aircraft, and the US State Department cleared the additional sale in May 2021. The P-8I platform was used to monitor the LAC during the military standoff with China.

Another significant American offering is the Stryker armoured fighting vehicle. India is exploring variants with amphibious capabilities and integration of the Javelin anti-tank missile. A demonstration for the Indian Army is expected this year. The Army has projected a need for a large number of wheeled armoured fighting vehicles. The US has proposed setting up a global manufacturing base for the Stryker in India.

Talks are also underway to co-produce the Javelin missile in India. A long-term agreement is being negotiated, with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) having signed a memorandum with Raytheon and Lockheed Martin to explore joint manufacturing opportunities.

The largest potential deal on the table is the Indian Air Force’s tender to procure and manufacture 114 multi-role fighter jets. US giants Boeing and Lockheed Martin have expressed interest — a deal that would require shifting production lines to India and involve billions of dollars in investment and revenue.

In another joint venture, Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) are bidding to manufacture 80 C-130J special operations aircraft in India. The IAF currently operates a fleet of 12 such aircraft. A dedicated ‘Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited’ facility in Hyderabad already manufactures parts for the global C-130J supply chain.

As for rotary-wing platforms, the Indian Army has the option to procure 11 more Apache AH-64E attack helicopters, while the IAF is seeking additional Chinook heavy-lift helicopters — both manufactured by Boeing.

Colonel assault case: Dept probe recommends no promotion for 3 years to 4 cops

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The case sparked outrage among ex-servicemen, Army veterans, and the public, leading to demands for accountability and justice. (File photo)

A departmental inquiry against Punjab Police personnel, accused of allegedly assaulting a serving Army officer over a car parking issue, has recommendation action ranging from three years’ deduction in service and denial of increments and promotions for the same time period to four inspectors and two others, it has been learnt.

The inquiry was conducted by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Patiala, into the incident that took place on the intervening night of March 13 and 14, when Colonel Pushpinder Singh Bath and his son were having food at a roadside dhaba near Government Rajindra Hospital in the district. Colonel Bath, on deputation with a central agency and his son, Angad Singh Bath, were allegedly assaulted by 12 Punjab Police personnel, including four inspectors. The incident resulted in severe injuries, including a dislocated arm for Colonel Bath and a fractured nose for his son. Colonel Bath had accused the police personnel of assaulting him and his son over a parking dispute and sought a transfer of the probe to an independent agency, preferably the CBI.

He alleged that the assailants — four inspector-rank officers of the Punjab Police and their armed subordinates — attacked him and his son without provocation, snatched his ID card and mobile phone, and threatened him with a “fake encounter”, all in public view and under CCTV camera coverage.

The case sparked outrage among ex-servicemen, Army veterans, and the public, leading to demands for accountability and justice. Later, the Punjab Police suspended the 12 police personnel and also initiated a departmental inquiry. The Patiala SSP has submitted the inquiry report to his superior officers and a show cause notice has been issued to the four inspectors and two other police personnel whose names and ranks have not been disclosed by the police department.

It has been recommended that three years of service of six police personnel be deducted, besides they be denied increment and promotion for three years. It recommends that the suspension of these officers will continue, and they will remain posted out of Patiala. The inspectors were attached to Bathinda and Ludhiana Police Ranges when they rejoined duty after remaining absconding for several months during which time Patiala Police failed to arrest them. The Punjab Police on March 17 had suspending 12 implicated police officers, including inspectors Harry Boparai, Ronnie Singh, Harjinder Dhillon, and Shaminder Singh, along with assistant sub-inspectors, head constables, and constables.

A departmental inquiry was ordered by then Patiala SSP Nanak Singh to investigate the allegations against these officers. The inquiry was initially assigned to Patiala SP (Headquarters) Harwant Kaur, with a directive to complete the probe within 45 days. The inquiry aimed to examine the conduct of the accused personnel, who were reported to be in civilian clothes and allegedly intoxicated during the incident. The family claimed the officers used abusive language, physically assaulted Colonel Bath and his son with baseball bats and sharp-edged weapons, and confiscated the Colonel’s government ID card and mobile phone. The inquiry was intended to establish the facts, assess violations of police conduct, and recommend appropriate disciplinary measures.

In addition to the departmental inquiry, other probes were initiated which include a magisterial probe ordered by the Punjab Home department on March 20 and led by IAS officer Paramvir Singh. This probe was rejected by the Bath family, who demanded a CBI inquiry.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was also formed on March 21 under ADGP SPS Parmar and later led by ADGP AS Rai. However, the family expressed distrust in the SIT’s impartiality.
The departmental inquiry faced several challenges with the Bath family accusing then SSP Nanak Singh of delaying the FIR registration, which was only filed on March 21 based on Colonel Bath’s statement, instead of the initial FIR based on the dhaba owner’s account.

The names of all 12 suspended officers were not initially disclosed, fueling allegations of police shielding certain personnel, particularly those with accolades as “encounter specialists.”

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on July 16 had transferred the investigation into the case to the CBI. The CBI on July 25, re-registered two FIRs filed by the civil lines police station Patiala as its own separate cases, with one from Colonel Bath’s side and the other from the dhaba owner in Patiala. The FIRs were filed under various provisions of the BNS, which also include the charge of attempt to commit murder.

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/colonel-assault-case-dept-probe-recommends-no-promotion-for-3-years-to-4-cops-10160839

Pune police on Wednesday registered a FIR against seven individuals and others for alleged unlawful assembly after a group of members belonging to a right-wing group barged into the house of the family of the Kargil War veteran in Chandannagar late Saturday night

An office-bearer of ex-servicemen association and two jawans visited the family of Hakimuddin Shaikh, a retired soldier who fought in the 1999 Kargil War, on Wednesday afternoon and pledged solidarity with the family.

After verifying facts related to the incident at the police station, the visitors went to his home to show support for the family, the family members said.Don’t overpay for flights. Search, compare & save up to 30% today. Start Now

“Two jawans on duty and an ex-servicemen association director from the Army Engineers Regiment heard that my uncle Hakimuddin was arrested. They came to the police station first and then to our house,” said Nawab Ali Shaikh, nephew of Hakimuddin.

“The director of the ex-servicemen association had worked with my uncle,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Pune police on Wednesday registered a first information report (FIR) against seven individuals and others for alleged unlawful assembly after a group of members belonging to a right-wing group barged into the house of the family of the Kargil War veteran in Chandannagar late Saturday night accused them of being illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.