Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi created history when she became the first Indian woman to fly a MiG-21 Bison fighter plane solo. She performed the feat in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The MiG-21 Bison has the highest landing and take-off speed in the world – 340 kmph.
Avani Chaturvedi, along with her two cohorts Mohana Singh and Bhawana Kanth was declared the first combat pilots and inducted into the Indian Air Force on June 18, 2016, and formally commissioned by then-Defense minister Manohar Parrikar.
Speaking to ANI, Air Commodore Prashant Dixit said, “It is a unique achievement for Indian Air Force and the country.”
Only selected countries, such as Britain, the United States, Israel, and Pakistan, have allowed women in the role of fighter pilots.
Indian cricketers like Suresh Raina, Ajinkya Rahane, Sachin Tendulkar and Mohammad Kaif took to Twitter and congratulated Avani Chaturvedi for flying one of the oldest and most difficult to operate fighter plane in Indian Air Force, solo.
Woke up to this update on Twitter and felt really proud. Congratulations, #AvaniChaturvedi on becoming the first Indian woman to fly a MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft solo. #MorePowerToYou pic.twitter.com/Ij9nFtJluO
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) February 22, 2018
Another barrier broken… Another feat achieved… it's the DAUGHTER of INDIA again🇮🇳 Congratulations, #AvaniChaturvedi! You’ve not only made us all proud, but also inspired young girls to take up new challenges. May you scale even greater heights. #TouchTheSkyWithGlory pic.twitter.com/vwFZLFoWjA
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 22, 2018
What a proud day for Indian Air Force and India as FG Officer Avani Chaturvedi becomes the first Indian Woman to fly a Fighter Aircraft solo. My best wishes to her and the Indian Armed Forces. Jai Hind 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/ly24Ii3Jqq
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) February 22, 2018
Congratulations to #AvaniChaturvedi on becoming the first Indian woman to fly a fighterjet solo . Super proud! pic.twitter.com/zXRVTPrlI7
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 22, 2018
