Darbhanga: Fighter pilot Bhawana Kanth, who hails from Bihar’s Darbhanga district, has completed the Indian Air Force’s Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) course, according to information shared about her latebhawana-kanth-first-woman-fighter-pilot-fcl-coursest achievement.
Kanth, from Baur village in Ghanshyampur block, was among the first batch of women inducted into the Indian Air Force’s fighter stream in 2016. Her completion of the FCL course marks another significant stage in her career as a fighter pilot.
Part Of India’s First Female Fighter Pilot Batch
The Government of India opened the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force to women in 2015.
In June 2016, Kanth joined the IAF alongside Avani Chaturvedi and Mohana Singh as part of the first batch of women fighter pilots. She was commissioned as a Flying Officer.
Her career has since included training and operational flying on fighter aircraft.
From MiG-21 Bison To Su-30MKI
Kanth completed her first solo flight on the MiG-21 Bison in March 2018.
She subsequently completed the MiG-21 Bison Day Operation Course in May 2019 and was declared operational for daytime combat missions in March 2020.
She has also flown the Su-30MKI, one of the Indian Air Force’s frontline fighter aircraft.
What Is The Fighter Combat Leader Course?
The Fighter Combat Leader course is an advanced training programme for fighter pilots that focuses on combat leadership and tactical operations.
Completion of the course represents an advanced qualification within the fighter pilot training structure. Kanth’s achievement has drawn attention in her home district and across the Mithilanchal region.
Baur Village Celebrates Achievement
Kanth’s ancestral village of Baur in Darbhanga has been celebrating her latest achievement.
Her grandfather, Narendra Kumar Das, said the family was proud of her progress and recalled that Kanth completed her early education at a government school in the village before moving to Begusarai for further schooling.
She later pursued studies and competitive examination preparation in places including Patna, Delhi and Kota.
Family Recalls Her Early Years
According to her family, Kanth continued to maintain links with her ancestral village after joining the Air Force.
Das said she continues to visit the village for family occasions, although her visits are less frequent during the flood season because the family home is located near the Kosi river.
Her aunt, Kiran Devi, also described the achievement as a source of pride for the family and local community.
A Career Built Through Multiple Milestones
Kanth’s career reflects the gradual expansion of opportunities for women in India’s fighter stream.
From being part of the first group of women fighter pilots to flying the MiG-21 Bison and Su-30MKI and now completing the Fighter Combat Leader course, her career has included several notable stages in the Indian Air Force.
Her latest qualification has brought renewed attention to the fighter pilot from Bihar and her journey from a government school in Darbhanga to advanced combat aviation training.
