Wing Commander Vyomika Singh: A Rising Star in the Indian Air Force
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh is a senior helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF) with over 20 years of distinguished service. On May 7, 2025, she made headlines across the country when she co-led the official media briefing on Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
Her presence not only reflected the strategic role of the IAF but also highlighted the growing leadership of women in India’s defense forces.
Early Life and Career Inspiration
Vyomika Singh’s name, meaning “one who resides in the sky,” seems to have predestined her future in aviation. Her passion for flying started during her school days. As a cadet in the National Cadet Corps (NCC), she was drawn to military life early on.
She later pursued an engineering degree, which laid the foundation for her technical and aviation expertise.
Military Journey and Achievements in the Indian Air Force
Wing Commander Singh was commissioned into the Indian Air Force on December 18, 2004, as a helicopter pilot. She was granted a permanent commission in the flying branch in 2019.
Over her extensive career, Singh has logged more than 2,500 flying hours, primarily operating the Chetak and Cheetah helicopters. Her deployments have taken her across some of India’s toughest terrains—from the high-altitude Himalayan regions of Jammu & Kashmir to the dense forests of the Northeast.
Key Operations and Heroic Missions
Arunachal Pradesh Rescue (2020)
In November 2020, she led a high-risk rescue mission in Arunachal Pradesh, navigating through poor weather and mountainous terrain to save trapped civilians.
Tri-Services Women’s Expedition (2021)
In 2021, Singh was part of an all-women tri-services mountaineering expedition that scaled Mt. Manirang (21,650 feet) in Himachal Pradesh, showcasing her physical endurance and team leadership.
Role in Operation Sindoor
On May 7, 2025, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh co-briefed the press alongside Colonel Sophia Qureshi of the Indian Army and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on the Indian response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Operation Sindoor was a massive coordinated strike that targeted nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), believed to be linked to the perpetrators of the attack that claimed 26 lives.
Singh’s participation in the briefing was both symbolic and strategic, as it projected the evolving and inclusive face of the Indian military.
A Symbol of Modern Indian Military Leadership
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh represents a new era in the Indian Armed Forces, where women are taking command roles in critical operations. Her career reflects the IAF’s commitment to inclusivity, excellence, and operational strength.
She is not just a decorated pilot but a national inspiration for young Indians—especially women—who aspire to serve their country with courage and honor.
Public Reaction to Wing Commander Vyomika Singh
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh’s presence at the Operation Sindoor briefing quickly became a viral moment across Indian media and social platforms. Citizens, veterans, journalists, and public figures alike lauded her for her poise, clarity, and symbolism as a female leader in the armed forces.
A National Symbol of Strength
Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube were flooded with praise for her commanding presence and articulate delivery. Hashtags such as #VyomikaSingh, #OperationSindoor, and #WomenInUniform began trending within hours.
“A proud moment for India to see a woman officer leading from the front. Wg Cdr Vyomika Singh is an inspiration to every daughter of this nation,” wrote one user on X.
Another tweet with over 50,000 likes read:
“In a room full of top brass, she held her ground with dignity and power. This is the future of Indian military leadership.”
Veterans and Media Respond
Retired armed forces officers praised her performance during the briefing, calling it a “milestone for gender inclusion in military leadership.”
TV anchors and digital media outlets applauded the government for showcasing operational transparency while empowering women in defense.
“Having a woman IAF officer like Wing Commander Singh lead the briefing sends a strong message — competence knows no gender,” said a defense analyst on a primetime news segment.
Global Appreciation
Even international observers took note. South Asian defense forums, foreign media outlets, and global think tanks acknowledged India’s progressive inclusion of women in high-profile military roles.
The moment was framed not just as a briefing, but as a symbol of transformation in one of the world’s largest armed forces.
