IAF Chief Announces More Female Aginveers To Be Recruited

On the occasion of Indian Air Force Day on October 8, the Indian Air Force Chief VR Chaudhari announced some new projects they're going to undertake for the coming year. The Chief unveiled a new combat dress for the force and declared that the new recruitment process will induct more women into the Air Force as Agniveers.

Apart from introducing the new combat uniforms, The Indian Air Force announced that the organisation is all set to recruit more women under the Aginveer scheme in 2023. The events observed to celebrate Air Force Day are in full swing today. The fly-past around Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh will also be taking place to mark the occasion.

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Women Agniveer Air Force

The Agniveer scheme will recruit 10 percent females next year. Addressing the annual press conference ahead of the Indian Air Force's 90th Raising Day, the Air Chief Marshal said, "Induction of women Agniveers is planned next year as part of our recruitment. As an organisation, we are gender agnostic and recognise merit and performance above everything else. A high ratio of women in the Indian Air Force is testimony to our commitment to offering equal opportunities and a level playing field for every individual irrespective of gender."

The organisation further announced that infrastructure for the accommodation and recruitment of more women is currently underway and the progress in streamlining trade structure is in its final segment.

In February earlier this year, the Defence Ministry declared that they will convert the experimental scheme for the induction of women fighter pilots into a permanent scheme. This decision followed after the Supreme Court enabled the entry of women into the National Defence Academy (NDA).

In 2018, Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi made history after becoming the first Indian woman to fly a fighter jet solo as she flew the MiG-21 in her first solo undertaking.

This is the first time that the Air Force Day celebrations will take place outside of Delhi. The fly-past in Chandigarh will see as many as 80 aircraft in the sky. This year's focus of Air Force day is around 'Atmanirbharta'. The IAF day will feature many made-in-India platforms and organisations including the latest inducted Prachand Light Combat Helicopters.