A single photograph of President Droupadi Murmu standing beside Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, India’s only woman Rafale pilot, at the Ambala Air Force Station has taken the internet by storm. The image—showing the nation’s first citizen alongside one of its finest fighter pilots with a Rafale gleaming in the background—has become a powerful symbol of India’s growing women power in uniform.
From Muzaffarpur to the Rafale Cockpit
Born on March 15, 1995, in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, Shivangi Singh’s journey is one of determination, skill, and passion. A mechanical engineering graduate from the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, she further pursued studies at the Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur, before joining the Indian Air Force in 2017.
Her initial posting saw her flying the MiG-21 Bison, an aircraft known for its unforgiving nature and steep learning curve. Her mastery of the MiG-21 prepared her for the Rafale — one of the world’s most advanced multirole fighter jets. In 2020, she joined the elite Golden Arrows Squadron, based in Ambala, which operates the Rafales acquired under a ₹59,000-crore deal with France.
Busting False Claims Amid Operation Sindoor
Recently, during Operation Sindoor, misinformation spread across Pakistani social media accounts falsely claiming that the Indian Air Force officer had been “captured.”
The IAF swiftly dismissed the claims, calling them baseless propaganda. Defence sources clarified that such rumours were part of routine disinformation tactics meant to distract from India’s growing aerial superiority.
Independent fact-checkers later confirmed that the reports were entirely fabricated, emphasizing how online misinformation often targets national achievements.
Symbol of Women’s Empowerment in Combat
Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh’s journey is not just about flying cutting-edge jets—it’s about breaking the sound barrier of gender stereotypes. Her induction into the Rafale fleet marked a historic milestone for women in the Indian Air Force, proving that courage and competence know no gender.
Her appearance with President Murmu is seen as a moment of pride for every Indian, representing both technological progress and the empowerment of women in the country’s defence forces.
Rafale Power and India’s Expanding Air Strength
The Rafale, known for its precision strikes, speed, and versatility, has significantly boosted India’s air combat capabilities. With the IAF now pushing for the purchase of 114 additional Rafales, the fleet stands as a testament to India’s preparedness and commitment to securing its skies.
For millions across the country, the image of President Droupadi Murmu and Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh standing proudly beside the Rafale is more than a viral moment—it’s a portrait of national pride, progress, and empowerment.
