Gaya: Women could be appointed as fighter pilots in IAF in future, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha today said.“They (women) are already working in all branches of the Air Force and they could be appointed as fighter pilots too in future,” he told reporters.
Earlier this year, the Air Chief had said that women were not physically suited to fly fighter planes, especially when they are pregnant or have other health issues. Raha also welcomed raising FDI cap in defence sector saying “it was a step in the right direction” and will help modernise the armed forces.
“FDI in defence is a step in the right direction. It will help modernise our armed forces by bringing in investments that could be used in research and production of military equipment. It will also help replace our arms and refurbish our resources,” he said.
The Air Chief Marshal was in Gaya as the chief guest at the 6th passing out parade of the Officers Training Academy (OTA) at which 29 gentlemen cadets were commissioned. Another 137 cadets of Technical Entry Scheme also finished their one-year training to move on to engineering courses at other places.
The Air Chief Marshal awarded gold medal to OTA pass out Dheeraj Singh for achieving the first position during the training. Mahender Pal was given silver, while Sahil S Patil was awarded bronze medal.
