India air force to induct women into light combat helicopter fleet
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New Delhi: The Indian Air Force is planning to induct female pilots to the Light Combat Helicopter fleet. They will be flying choppers named The Prachand Aircraft by the Defence Minister.
The idea has taken form amid the growing number of women officers in the Force. "The aircraft was inducted into the service recently on October 3, and 10 choppers will be inducted soon." IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari is in favour of opening all avenues for female officers, reported ANI.
"We as an organisation are gender agnostic and recognise merit and performance above everything else. A high ratio of women officers in the IAF is testimony to our commitment to providing equal opportunity and a level playing field for every individual irrespective of gender," he added.
Female pilots are already flying the ALH Dhruv and other helicopters in the fleet. Officials said they will be flying the LCH fleet also and women officers are being identified. The IAF is the first force to induct women in combat roles.
The IAF is also going to induct women officers in the Agniveer recruitment scheme. They will be joining men as the personnel below officer rank for the first time. The Navy and Army already made announcements of inducting women.