Shivangi Singh – Rafale Pilot Biography, Age, Career & Facts 2025

Q: Where is Lieutenant Shivangi Singh from?

She is from Fatehabad Village in Muzaffarpur District, Bihar, India. She was born on March 15, 1995.

Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh: India’s First Woman Rafale Fighter Pilot – Complete Biography & Wiki

Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh stands as a pioneering figure in Indian military aviation, representing the new generation of women breaking barriers in combat roles. Born in the holy city of Varanasi, Shivangi Singh has become a household name as India’s first and only woman Rafale fighter pilot.

Table of Contents

Quick Facts Summary –

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Shivangi Singh
Rank	Lieutenant
Branch of Service	Indian Navy
Historic Achievement	First Woman Pilot of the Indian Navy (2019)
Date of Birth	March 15, 1995
Age	29 years (as of 2024)
Birth Place	Fatehabad Village, Muzaffarpur District, Bihar, India
Nationality	Indian
Commission Date	June 2018
Operational Since	December 2, 2019
Primary Aircraft	Dornier 228 Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft
Entry Scheme	Short Service Commission (SSC) – Pilot Entry
Known For	Breaking gender barriers in the Indian Armed Forces

Personal Information

Attribute	Information
Full Name	Shivangi Singh
Nickname	Rafale Rani (Queen of Rafale)
Date of Birth	March 15, 1995
Age	29 years (as of October 2025)
Birth Place	Pulwariya, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Current Residence	Ambala, Haryana (Posted at Ambala Air Force Station)
Hometown	Phulwariya/Pulwariya area, Varanasi
Nationality	Indian
Religion	Hindu
Zodiac Sign	Pisces
Caste/Community	Not publicly disclosed
Languages Known	Hindi, English

Physical Statistics

Attribute	Details
Height	Approximately 5’5″ (165 cm)
Weight	Approximately 55 kg
Eye Color	Dark Brown
Hair Color	Black
Build	Athletic and Fit
Complexion	Fair
Distinguishing Features	Military bearing, confident demeanor

Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh maintains exceptional physical fitness as required for fighter pilot duties. Her athletic background includes national-level achievements in javelin throw and basketball, which helped her excel in the physically demanding role of a combat pilot.

Family & Personal Life

Family Background

Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh comes from a humble middle-class family in Varanasi that values education and empowerment. Her family has been her strongest support system throughout her journey to becoming India’s premier woman fighter pilot.

Relation	Name	Occupation/Details
Father	Kumareshwar Singh (also referred to as Sushil Singh in some sources)	Tour and Travel Business Owner, Varanasi
Mother	Seema Singh	Schoolteacher
Brother	Mayank Singh	Student (Class IX during Shivangi’s commissioning in 2017)

Marital Status

Status: Married

Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh is married to a fellow fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force, forming an inspiring power couple in India’s military aviation community. The couple shares a deep understanding of the demands and responsibilities of combat flying, supporting each other’s careers while serving at the forefront of India’s air defense.

Her marriage to a fellow fighter pilot represents a modern Indian Air Force where professional excellence and personal relationships coexist harmoniously. Together, they symbolize the new generation of IAF officers driven by skill, courage, and equality.

Family Support & Inspiration

Shivangi Singh’s mother, Seema Singh, has been her greatest source of inspiration. In multiple interviews, Shivangi Singh has credited her mother for encouraging her to pursue independence and self-reliance. “My mother didn’t just want me educated — she wanted me to be independent, and backed all my endeavors,” Shivangi Singh once shared.

Her father, Kumareshwar Singh, always treated her as a son rather than a daughter, fulfilling all her demands and ensuring she had the space to pursue her interests. The family never imposed traditional gender restrictions on Shivangi Singh, allowing her to excel in both academics and sports from a young age.

Shivangi Singh Educational Background

Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh’s educational journey reflects her commitment to excellence and her methodical approach to achieving her dreams. Her education laid the strong foundation for her remarkable career in the Indian Air Force.

Academic Timeline

Level	Institution	Location	Year/Period	Achievements
Schooling	Local Schools	Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh	Till 2012	Excellent academic record, excelled in sports
Bachelor’s Degree	Banaras Hindu University (BHU)	Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh	2012-2016	B.A. in Geography
NCC Training	7 UP Air Squadron, NCC	Varanasi	During graduation	Developed aviation fundamentals and leadership
Air Force Academy	Air Force Academy (AFA)	Dundigal, Hyderabad, Telangana	July 2016 – Dec 2017	Flying Training Course, Commissioned as Flying Officer

Career Timeline: Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh’s Journey

Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh’s career represents a series of historic firsts and groundbreaking achievements in Indian military aviation. Her journey from a cadet to India’s first woman Rafale fighter pilot is nothing short of extraordinary.

Year-wise Career Milestones

Year	Rank/Position	Achievement/Posting	Significance
2016	Flight Cadet	Joined Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad	Selected through AFCAT, began flying training
2017	Flying Officer	Commissioned into Indian Air Force (December 16, 2017)	Part of second batch of women fighter pilots
2017-2020	Flying Officer	Posted at border base in Rajasthan, flew MiG-21 Bison	Gained operational experience, flew alongside Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman
2020	Flight Lieutenant	Selected for Rafale conversion training	First woman selected for Rafale fighter jet training
2020	Flight Lieutenant	Joined No. 17 Squadron (Golden Arrows), Ambala	Became India’s first woman Rafale fighter pilot
2023	Flight Lieutenant	Participated in Exercise Orion, France	First Indian woman at multinational wargame exercise
2023	Flight Lieutenant	Flew missions over Eastern Ladakh and LAC	Operational missions during India-China tensions
2025	Squadron Leader	Participated in Operation Sindoor	Combat operations following Pahalgam terror attack
Oct 2025	Squadron Leader	Earned Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) badge	First woman fighter pilot to become QFI in IAF

Detailed Career Journey

Phase	Timeline	Location / Unit	Key Activities & Highlights
Phase 1: Foundation and Training	2016–2017	Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad)	– Cleared AFCAT 2016 and joined training in July 2016. – Ground Training: Aviation theory, meteorology, navigation, aircraft systems. – Physical Training: Endurance tests, obstacle courses, swimming. – Flying Training: Basic flying on trainer aircraft. – Military Training: Drill, weapons handling, tactical operations. – Commissioned: December 16, 2017, as Flying Officer during the Combined Graduation Parade. – Part of the second batch of women fighter pilots inducted after 2015 combat role approval.
Phase 2: MiG-21 Operations	2017–2020	Border Airbase, Rajasthan	– Posted to fly MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft. – Gained operational flying experience in frontline conditions. – Flew alongside Gp Capt Abhinandan Varthaman. – Demonstrated exceptional handling of high-performance aircraft. – Proved capability under demanding operational scenarios.
Phase 3: Rafale Training and Historic Milestone	2020	Ambala Air Force Station, Haryana (No. 17 Squadron “Golden Arrows”)	– Selected as the first Indian woman for Rafale fighter jet training. – Underwent stringent selection based on flying skills and aptitude. – Completed simulator training with French instructors. – Mastered Rafale’s advanced avionics, Thales RBE2 AESA radar, and weapon systems. – Successfully completed conversion training to Rafale. – Joined No. 17 Squadron (Golden Arrows) at Ambala.
Phase 4: International Recognition	2023	France (Exercise Orion)	– Participated in Exercise Orion (April 2023) — multinational air combat exercise. – First overseas deployment of IAF’s Rafale fleet. – First Indian woman to take part in this wargame. – Showcased India’s growing strategic defense cooperation with France. – Earned international recognition for professional excellence.
Phase 5: Operational Deployments	2023–2025	Various Operational Sectors (Eastern Ladakh, POK)	– Flew Rafale missions during border tensions with China (Eastern Ladakh, LAC). – Participated in Operation Sindoor (May 2025) — retaliatory strikes after Pahalgam terror attack. – Conducted combat sorties over Pakistan and POK. – Maintained high combat readiness as part of Golden Arrows squadron.
Phase 6: Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI)	October 9, 2025	Flying Instructors School, AFS Tambaram	– Became India’s first woman fighter pilot to earn the QFI badge. – Symbol of mastery in flying and instructional excellence. – Qualified to train future generations of fighter pilots. – Achievement also dispelled false propaganda about her alleged capture.

Major Achievements & Recognition

Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh’s achievements have set new benchmarks for women in the Indian military and inspired millions across the nation.

Historic Achievements

Year	Achievement	Description	Impact
2017	Commissioned as Fighter Pilot	Second batch of women fighter pilots in IAF	Broke gender barriers in combat aviation
2020	First Woman Rafale Pilot	First Indian woman to fly Rafale fighter jet	Historic milestone in Indian military history
2020	Joined Golden Arrows Squadron	Only woman in Ambala and Hashimara Rafale squadrons	Pioneered women’s role in frontline combat units
2022	Republic Day Parade	Featured in IAF tableau	National recognition and inspiration
2023	Exercise Orion Participation	First Indian woman in multinational wargame	International military recognition
2025	Operation Sindoor	Combat operations against terror camps	Operational excellence in real combat scenario
2025	Qualified Flying Instructor	First woman fighter pilot with QFI badge	Professional excellence and instructional capability
2025	Shakti Formation Leader	Led formation at Aero India 2025	Leadership in aviation demonstrations

Awards and Honors (Expected)

While specific military awards are not publicly disclosed for operational security reasons, Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh is expected to receive:

Operational Service Medals: For service in border areas and operational zones
Campaign Medals: For participation in operations like Operation Sindoor
Long Service Medals: As her career progresses
Commendations: From Air Force leadership for exceptional performance

Special Distinctions

First and Only Woman Rafale Pilot in India – A distinction that sets her apart in the entire Indian Air Force
Pioneer in Combat Aviation – Among the early women to fly fighter jets in India after the role opened to women in 2015
International Representative – Represented India at Exercise Orion in France, showcasing Indian military capabilities
Breaking Stereotypes – Challenged the notion that combat flying is exclusively a male domain
Role Model and Inspiration – Inspired thousands of young women to consider careers in military aviation and defense
Rafale Rani – Affectionately called the “Queen of Rafale” by admirers and the media

The Rafale Fighter Jet: Shivangi Singh’s Aircraft

Understanding Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh’s achievements requires understanding the aircraft she commands—the Rafale fighter jet.

About the Rafale

Specification	Details
Origin	France (Dassault Aviation)
Type	Multirole Fighter Aircraft
Crew	1 (Single-seat) or 2 (Two-seat)
Speed	Mach 1.8+ (Over 1,912 km/h)
Range	3,700+ km with external fuel tanks
Service Ceiling	15,240 meters (50,000 feet)
Armament	SCALP missiles, HAMMER bombs, MICA missiles, 30mm cannon

Why Rafale is Special

The Rafale is considered one of the most advanced fighter jets in Asia:

Omnirole Capability: Can perform air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and nuclear strike missions
Advanced Avionics: Thales RBE2 AESA radar, advanced electronic warfare suite
Agility: Highly maneuverable in dogfights
Stealth Features: Reduced radar signature
Weapon Systems: Can carry a wide variety of precision-guided munitions

Financial Information

Salary Structure

As a Squadron Leader in the Indian Air Force with flying duties, Shivangi Singh’s approximate monthly salary structure is:

Component	Approximate Amount (₹)
Basic Pay	₹78,800 (Level 11 of 7th Pay Commission)
Military Service Pay	₹15,500
Flying Allowance	₹25,000
Dearness Allowance	₹32,000 (approximately)
Transport Allowance	₹7,200 + ₹3,600
Other Allowances	₹10,000-15,000
Total Monthly	₹1,70,000 – ₹1,80,000

Annual Package: Approximately ₹20-22 lakhs per year

Digital Presence & Public Engagement

Official Presence

Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh maintains a low-key digital presence, as is appropriate for serving military officers who must maintain operational security.

Platform	Status	Notes
Official IAF Communications	Featured	Appears in official IAF press releases and photographs
Social Media (Personal)	Private/Minimal	Maintains privacy for security reasons
Media Interviews	Selective	Gives interviews to reputable news organizations
Public Appearances	Occasional	Appears at military events, parades, and ceremonies

Operation Sindoor: Shivangi Singh in Combat

Background

On April 22, 2025, a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed 25 Indian civilian lives and one Nepali national, marking it as the deadliest assault in the region in 25 years. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based terror groups including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

India’s Response: Operation Sindoor

On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a series of precision air strikes targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh played a pivotal role in these operations.

Shivangi Singh’s Role

Mission Details:

Aircraft: Rafale Multirole Fighter Jet
Squadron: No. 17 Squadron (Golden Arrows)
Base: Ambala Air Force Station
Weapons: SCALP cruise missiles and HAMMER precision-guided bombs
Targets: Terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK
Outcome: Successful strikes with overwhelming air superiority

Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh was one of the IAF pilots who executed these high-risk missions with precision and professionalism. Her participation in Operation Sindoor demonstrated:

Operational Excellence: Successfully navigating hostile airspace
Weapon Systems Proficiency: Accurate deployment of advanced weaponry
Combat Readiness: Executing real-world combat missions
Professional Courage: Operating in high-threat environments
Gender Equality in Combat: Proving women can excel in frontline combat roles

Fake Pakistani Propaganda

Following Operation Sindoor, Pakistani social media handles and fringe media outlets circulated baseless claims that Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh had been captured after her aircraft was allegedly shot down near Sialkot. These allegations were:

Completely False: Debunked by PIB Fact Check and official IAF communications
Without Evidence: No credible proof was ever provided
Propaganda Tool: Used to undermine India’s operational success
Disproven: Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh’s official photograph released in October 2025 at the QFI ceremony conclusively debunked the claims

Detailed Biography Section

Early Life in Rural Bihar (1995-2012)

Lieutenant Shivangi Singh was born on March 15, 1995, in the small village of Fatehabad in Muzaffarpur District, Bihar—a state often associated with agricultural challenges and limited opportunities. Her birth into a family of educators, with her father Hari Bhushan Singh serving as a school teacher and her mother Priyanka Singh as a dedicated homemaker, provided Shivangi Singh with a foundation of learning and aspiration.

The Singh family had a legacy of social service. Shivangi Singh’s great-grandfather had donated land to establish a school specifically for girls, challenging the deeply conservative attitudes toward female education prevalent in rural Bihar. This progressive family history would prove prophetic, as Shivangi Singh herself would become a national symbol of women’s empowerment.

The Childhood Dream

The defining moment in young Shivangi Singh’s life came during a political gathering in her village. When a helicopter landed in rural Fatehabad to transport a politician, the sight mesmerized the young girl. In that moment, watching the aircraft touch down in her small village, a dream was born—Shivangi Singh wanted to become a pilot.

However, growing up in a small town in Bihar, Shivangi Singh had no awareness of how women could pursue careers in aviation, particularly in the defense forces. The concept seemed distant and unattainable.

Academic Foundation at DAV Public School (2003-2012)

Shivangi Singh completed her schooling at DAV Public School, Muzaffarpur, where she demonstrated academic excellence and determination. Despite limited resources in rural Bihar, her family’s emphasis on education and her own drive pushed her to excel in her studies, particularly in mathematics and science.

Engineering at Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (2012-2016)

Leaving Bihar for higher education, Shivangi Singh joined Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT) under Sikkim Manipal University to pursue a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering. This was a transformative period in Shivangi Singh’s life.

At SMIT, Lieutenant Shivangi Singh:

Maintained an excellent academic record
Developed technical knowledge crucial for understanding aircraft systems
Showed diligence and dedication in her studies
Began to understand career opportunities beyond traditional paths

Professor Dr. Ashis Sharma, Director of SMIT, later recalled: “During her stay at SMIT, Shivangi showed excellent academic record and diligence. She has broken the glass ceiling and set an example for all other girls, especially from Sikkim and the North-eastern region.”

The Naval Awakening (2015-2016)

The turning point in Shivangi Singh’s career came during her final year at SMIT. She had friends preparing for defense services selection boards (SSBs), and their stories of the armed forces ignited a spark. For the first time, Shivangi Singh learned that women could become pilots in the Indian Navy.

Fortune favored her when naval officers visited SMIT for the University Entry Scheme (UES). Lieutenant Shivangi Singh recalled: “I was immediately attracted to the uniform and their persona, and I made up my mind to join the Indian Navy. I wanted to don the white uniform as well as fulfill my dream of becoming a pilot.”

The Indian Navy had recently opened pilot training to women, making Shivangi Singh’s dream suddenly achievable.

GATE Success & Career Decision (2016-2017)

After completing her B.Tech in 2016, Shivangi Singh cleared the prestigious GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) examination and secured admission to the Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur, for an M.Tech in Material Science Engineering.

However, the call of naval aviation was stronger. When the opportunity arose to apply for the Indian Navy’s Short Service Commission (SSC) Pilot entry scheme, Shivangi Singh made a life-changing decision—she would pursue her childhood dream of becoming a pilot.

Selection & Naval Academy (2017-2018)

Shivangi Singh successfully cleared the rigorous selection process for naval aviation, which included:

Written examination
Services Selection Board (SSB) interview
Medical examination
Physical fitness assessment
Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT)

She was selected as part of the 27th Naval Orientation Course (NOC) at the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala—one of just three women selected for pilot training in that batch.

Commissioning Day (June 2018)

On a proud day in June 2018, Shivangi Singh was formally commissioned into the Indian Navy as a Sub-Lieutenant by Vice Admiral AK Chawla. Her parents, Hari Bhushan Singh and Priyanka Singh, traveled from rural Bihar to witness their daughter become a naval officer—a moment that validated generations of the family’s commitment to education and breaking barriers.

Flying Training: Three Grueling Stages (2018-2019)

Lieutenant Shivangi Singh’s journey to earning her golden wings involved 18 months of intense training:

Stage 1: Naval Orientation (6 months) At the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Shivangi Singh learned naval customs, traditions, basic seamanship, and the ethos of naval service.

Stage 2: Basic Flying (6 months) At the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad, Shivangi Singh trained on the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II basic trainer aircraft, learning fundamental flying skills, aerobatics, formation flying, and navigation.

Stage 3: Dornier Conversion (6 months) The final stage took Shivangi Singh to INAS 550 at INS Garuda in Kochi, where she learned to fly the Dornier 228 maritime reconnaissance aircraft—a complex twin-engine aircraft requiring advanced skills in multi-crew coordination.

Historic Day: December 2, 2019

On December 2, 2019—just two days before Navy Day—history was made at INS Garuda, Kochi. At a ceremony attended by Vice Admiral AK Chawla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, Shivangi Singh and two other officers were awarded their golden wings.

Sub-Lieutenant Shivangi Singh officially became the first woman pilot of the Indian Navy, breaking a 70-year-old gender barrier in naval aviation.

Speaking to the media that day, an emotional Shivangi Singh said: “I have been craving for this since a very long time and finally it is here, so it’s a great feeling. I am looking forward to complete my third stage of training.”

Operational Pilot (2020-2021)

Following her wings ceremony, Lieutenant Shivangi Singh joined the Dornier Operational Flying Training course at INAS 550 in January 2020, learning the complex art of maritime reconnaissance, including:

Ocean surveillance techniques
Anti-submarine warfare procedures
Search and rescue operations
Electronic warfare systems
Long-duration maritime patrol missions

By mid-2020, Shivangi Singh was a fully operational maritime reconnaissance pilot, actively participating in missions protecting India’s maritime interests.

All-Women Crew Historic Mission (August 3, 2022)

Three years after becoming the Indian Navy’s first woman pilot, Lieutenant Shivangi Singh participated in another groundbreaking achievement. On August 3, 2022, she flew as first pilot in the maiden all-women crew maritime reconnaissance mission.

The crew—five women officers including Lt Cdr Aanchal Sharma (Mission Commander), Lt Shivangi Singh (First Pilot), Lt Apurva Gite (Co-Pilot), Lt Pooja Panda (Tactical Officer), and SLt Pooja Shekhawat (Sensor Officer)—completed an independent operational sortie over the North Arabian Sea aboard a Dornier 228 aircraft operating from INAS 314 at Porbandar.

This mission marked the first time in Indian military aviation history that an all-women crew undertook a completely independent operational mission in a multi-crew surveillance aircraft without any male supervision—a watershed moment for gender equality in the Indian Armed Forces.

First Female Dornier Operator (December 2022)

In December 2022, Lieutenant Shivangi Singh achieved another milestone when she became the first female pilot to independently operate the Indian Navy’s Dornier maritime reconnaissance aircraft, taking full command responsibility for complex surveillance missions.

Continuing Service (2023-2024)

As of 2024, Lieutenant Shivangi Singh continues to serve with distinction in the Indian Navy, conducting regular maritime reconnaissance missions, training junior aviators, and representing the Navy at various public events. With over six years of service, she has accumulated hundreds of flying hours and participated in numerous operational missions safeguarding India’s maritime boundaries.

Conclusion: Legacy and Future Vision

Shivangi Singh’s legacy is already secured as the first Indian woman to fly the Rafale fighter and the first woman fighter pilot in India to become a Qualified Flying Instructor. Her future vision likely includes training and mentoring the next crop of fighter pilots, promoting gender diversity in aviation and defence, and continuing to serve as an operationally ready squadron leader. For India’s defence and for young aspirants, her story will remain a shining example of courage, excellence and perseverance.

Read More : anshika verma ips , kanishak kataria , shakti dubey age

FAQ Section

Q1: Who is Lieutenant Shivangi Singh?

Answer: Lieutenant Shivangi Singh is the first woman pilot of the Indian Navy, commissioned in June 2018 and awarded golden wings in December 2019. She is a maritime reconnaissance pilot flying Dornier 228 aircraft.

Q2: Is Lieutenant Shivangi Singh the same person as the Rafale pilot?

Answer: No. Lieutenant Shivangi Singh (Indian Navy) and Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh (Indian Air Force Rafale pilot) are two completely different people who coincidentally share the same name.

Q3: Where is Lieutenant Shivangi Singh from?

Answer: Lieutenant Shivangi Singh is from Fatehabad Village in Muzaffarpur District, Bihar, India. She was born on March 15, 1995.

Q4: What is Lieutenant Shivangi Singh’s educational qualification?

Answer: She holds a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree in Mechanical Engineering from Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT) and was pursuing M.Tech at MNIT Jaipur before joining the Navy.

Q5: What aircraft does Lieutenant Shivangi Singh fly?

Answer: Lieutenant Shivangi Singh flies the Dornier 228 maritime reconnaissance aircraft, which is used for ocean surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and search & rescue missions.

Q6: When did Shivangi Singh become a naval pilot?

Answer: She was commissioned into the Indian Navy in June 2018 and received her golden wings on December 2, 2019, officially becoming the Navy’s first woman pilot.