Wing Commander Vyomika Singh: Education, Career, and the Courage Behind the Lioness of the Skies

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh has etched her name in history through her key role in Operation Sindoor, a precise and strategic military operation. For the first time ever, two female officers conducted a joint military press briefing, a milestone moment for women's representation in India’s armed forces. With over 2,500 hours of flying experience and leadership in numerous daring missions, Vyomika has turned her childhood dream into a source of national inspiration.

The Courage Behind Operation Sindoor

After a tragic terrorist attack on Indian soil claimed 26 innocent lives, India launched a swift counter-attack on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7, 2025. The operation, code-named “Sindoor”, was executed with precision, and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, a helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force, played a vital role.

This operation was also historic because Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sophia Qureshi became the first two female officers to represent the military in a joint press briefing. It symbolized a growing and proud chapter of women in India’s defense forces.

Early Life and Education: A Dream to Fly

True to the meaning of her name, "Vyomika" – one who belongs to the sky, she dreamed of flying from as early as Class 6. She joined the National Cadet Corps (NCC), pursued an engineering degree, and went on to become the first in her family to wear the uniform.

On December 18, 2019, she received a permanent commission as a helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force. Since then, she has flown helicopters like the Chetak and Cheetah across some of the most treacherous terrains in Jammu & Kashmir and India's Northeast.

A Specialist in High-Risk Missions

In 2020, during extreme weather conditions in Arunachal Pradesh, Vyomika led a high-risk rescue mission that saved multiple lives. In 2021, she was part of an all-women military expedition that climbed the 21,650-feet Mount Manirang, earning recognition across all three branches of the armed forces.

For her bravery and leadership, she has received commendation letters from both the Air Chief Marshal and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief.

Critical Role in Operation Sindoor

Vyomika emphasized the importance of mock drills and rigorous preparation during Operation Sindoor. Thanks to these extensive rehearsals, the Indian forces were able to deliver a fast, precise, and targeted strike, catching the enemy completely off guard.

Inspiration for the Next Generation

Today, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh stands as a symbol of courage, self-belief, and determination. Her story proves that with strong willpower, India's daughters can soar to any height—even the sky is not the limit.