Shivangi Singh: Rafale Pilot Now Eyes Space as Astronaut

Shivangi Singh, the first woman to pilot a Rafale, India’s most sophisticated fighter jet, is poised to break another record now—she will become an astronaut. Rising from a little curious kid at the Air Force Museum to an alleluing figure in Indian aviation, Ms Asha is an inspiration. Singh’s story is an example of how determination, ability and ambition can crack both sound and social barriers. Her career path is now setting a precedent for young Indians, in particular young women, who aspire for some future in aviation, aerospace or defense. Her mandate has grown from the skies to the stars.

From Awe-Struck Museum Visitor to Rafale Pilot

Shivangi Singh’s love for flying started when she visited the Air Force Museum in New Delhi in her childhood. So engrossed in the aircraft, displayed she was, the purpose for which she wanted to become a pilot, that very instant she chose. That childhood fascination flew years later when Singh became a member of the Indian Air Force (IAF), which became the male dominated world of fighter aviation with a vision clear in his head on how to do it.

Singh was among the first to accept the challenge when India opened pilot roles to women in 2015. She worked hard, and her hard work paid off, she became the first Indian woman to fly Rafale – one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world

Aiming Higher: The Final Frontier Beckons

Flying jets is not enough for Singh now serving as a lieutenant. She is targeting space exploration, and that is in line with India’s increasing footprint in the world in aerospace and space missions. Her ambitions to fly to the moon mark more than just personal ambition but reflect the new contours for women in India’s defense sector.

A fighter pilot himself, Singh belonged to the modern progressive generation committed to service and equality. He was married to a fellow fighter pilot. Her success is more than a personal triumph—it’s that light in the dark for many young heads, especially for girls who want to grow high and soar even further.