Squadron Leader Bhavana Kanth has created history by becoming the first Indian woman fighter pilot to successfully complete the prestigious Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) course at the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) in Gwalior.
The 20-week FCL programme is regarded as one of the Indian Air Force’s most demanding and advanced training courses. Only a select group of highly skilled fighter pilots are chosen for the programme. Successful completion qualifies them to lead complex aerial combat operations and take on specialised roles as combat tacticians and strategists.
TACDE is considered a premier centre for advanced air-combat tactics and operational training within the Indian Air Force. The establishment is often compared with the United States Air Force’s renowned ‘Top Gun’ programme because of the intensity and sophistication of its training.
Kanth, a native of Darbhanga in Bihar, holds an engineering degree and joined the Indian Air Force in June 2016. She had earlier made history in 2019 by becoming the first Indian woman to receive clearance to undertake daytime fighter combat missions.
Her latest achievement marks another significant milestone in the growing participation of women in India’s fighter fleet and combat leadership roles. Completing the FCL course demonstrates not only her flying skills but also her ability to understand and execute advanced combat strategies.
Kanth’s achievement is being seen as an important step forward for women in the Indian armed forces, particularly in highly specialised combat and operational leadership roles.
