Current Affairs - Defence - Discussion

Squadron Leader Saanya became the first woman officer in the history of the Indian Air Force to achieve the prestigious Category-A Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) rating on May 18, 2026. The qualification represents the highest instructional grading in military aviation and certifies pilots to train new aviators, operational pilots, and junior instructors. To earn this elite status, candidates must complete a demanding 22-week course at the Flying Instructors School in Tambaram near Chennai, involving extensive flying practice and ground training. Saanya’s achievement marks another important milestone in the growing role of women in India’s armed forces and aviation sector.