Who is Wing Commander Vyomika Singh?

Who is Wing Commander Vyomika Singh?

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh is a highly respected helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF), celebrated for her courage, operational excellence, and leadership. With a service record that spans over two decades, she has emerged as one of the prominent female faces of the Indian military, symbolizing both progress and resilience. Her recent visibility in the public domain comes from her role in co-leading the official media briefing on Operation Sindoor in May 2025—a high-stakes strategic airstrike operation launched in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.

Military Career

Commissioned into the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force on December 18, 2004, Vyomika Singh has had an illustrious career marked by challenging missions and notable milestones. Over the years, she has logged more than 2,500 flying hours, piloting light utility helicopters such as the Chetak and Cheetah. These aircraft are often deployed in high-altitude and extreme-weather missions, especially in regions like Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast, which test both skill and nerve.

One of her standout missions occurred in November 2020, when she was part of a critical search-and-rescue operation in Arunachal Pradesh, underscoring her readiness to operate in hostile terrains under pressure. In 2019, she was granted a permanent commission in the IAF—an achievement that reflects both her capabilities and the gradual opening up of the armed forces to long-term roles for women officers.

Operation Sindoor and Leadership

On May 7, 2025, Wing Commander Singh stood at the forefront of a national moment, co-leading a high-profile media briefing alongside Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The briefing outlined the successful execution of Operation Sindoor, which involved surgical airstrikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Conducted in the early hours between 1:05 AM and 1:30 AM, the strikes were a calibrated response to the horrific Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives, including civilians and military personnel. Singh’s confident and clear communication during the press conference won public admiration. She emphasized that precision targeting and advanced technology were employed to ensure there were no civilian casualties, underlining India’s commitment to ethical warfare.

Recognition and Legacy

Outside combat roles, Wing Commander Singh has also contributed to building morale and promoting inclusivity within the forces. In 2021, she was part of a tri-services all-women mountaineering expedition to Mount Manirang (elevation: 21,625 feet) in Himachal Pradesh. This expedition was part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations and was commended by the Chief of Air Staff, acknowledging her spirit of adventure and teamwork.

A Trailblazer and Role Model

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh’s career stands as a testament to what determination, passion, and service to the nation can achieve. She is not just a pilot or officer; she is a symbol of change, a role model for aspiring women in uniform, and a reminder that the skies are truly open for those who dare.