NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, JUNE 9
Eighteen Indian Navy officers, including one woman, graduated as pilots from the Helicopter Training School at INS Rajali in Arakkonam on Monday. They took part in an impressive Passing Out Parade marking the successful completion of their 22-week long intensive flying and ground training at the training school in the Indian Naval Air Squadron-561, situated at INS Rajali, a Defence release said.
“Underscoring the Indian Navy’s commitment to foster gender inclusive environment and equal career opportunities for women, Sub Lieutenant Siddhi Hemant Dubey created history by becoming the second woman helicopter pilot of the Indian Navy today, on successful completion of the training,” the statement added.
- Second woman helicopter pilot in Navy’s ranks
- Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command gives away ‘golden wings,’ the awards that mark them as the helicopter pilots
- The Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Eastern Naval Command Rolling Trophy for trainee pilot standing first in the order of merit in flying was awarded to Lieutenant Vishavdeep Rajput.
The graduating officers were given the coveted ‘golden wings,’ the awards that mark them as the helicopter pilots. The awards were given by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.
The new pilots will now be deployed through frontline units of the Indian Navy, undertaking vital roles in reconnaissance, surveillance, Search and Rescue and antipiracy operations.
Air Vice Marshal Teofilus Shaende, Air Force Commander of the Namibian Air Force called on the Chief of the Air Staff of the IAF in New Delhi today.
Issues of mutual interest & means to further enhance cooperation between the two Air Forces were discussed during the meeting.… pic.twitter.com/7n5fHiKdiX
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 9, 2025
The Vice Admiral Pendharkar in his address said, “The Parade marks not only the successful culmination of a rigourous course, but a day when a fresh batch of young and enthusiastic pilots passed through the portals of the school.”
Indian naval aviation has always stood for professionalism, precision, and pride. Whether it’s flying from the decks of the ships, or from the base to the shore, whether in support of operational missions, or participating in joint exercises with foreign navies or for search and rescue, or HADR, our aviation assets have made a commendable contribution in every mission or task – Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar.
He noted that the new helicopter pilots have learned not just how to fly, but how to fly with purpose. He stressed that, to serve as the naval aviator where precision meets pressure and skill is tested at sea and in the sky, a deep commitment is required that sets them apart. He told the graduating pilots that they wear the wings of gold, not as decoration, but as proof of discipline, of focus, and of the relentless pursuit of excellence, adding that those wings are not a reward, but symbolise responsibility. They represent the Navy’s faith in them, and a sign that they are now a part of a rich naval legacy, he stated.
During the ceremony, awards were presented to recognise outstanding trainees. The Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Eastern Naval Command Rolling Trophy for trainee pilot standing first in the order of merit in flying was awarded to Lieutenant Vishavdeep Rajput. The Sub Lieutenant Kunte Memorial Book Prize for excellence in ground subjects was awarded to Lieutenant Utkarsh Ishwar and the Governor of Kerala Rolling Trophy for overall first in merit was awarded to Lieutenant Abhinav Rathee, acknowledging their exceptional dedication and performance during the course.
It may be noted that the Indian Naval Air squadron 561 is the Alma mater of each and every helicopter pilots of the Indian Navy. Upholding its mission statement ‘On Time, Every Time,’ the helicopter training school has trained 866 Pilots from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and friendly foreign nations over the past five decades and continues to provide helicopter flying training of the highest standards.
Mrs Sandhya Rao Pendharkar, President, Navy Welfare and Wellness Association #NWWA, Eastern Region inaugurated three new educational facilities at Navy Children School, Arakkonam in presence of VAdm Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command. pic.twitter.com/g4C6mXHNnN
— Defence PRO Chennai (@Def_PRO_Chennai) June 9, 2025
