Meet Major Abhilasha Barak: India’s First Woman Combat Aviator Who Redefined Limits in Army Aviation
Meet Major Abhilasha Barak: India’s First Woman Combat Aviator Who Redefined Limits in Army Aviation
Breaking barriers and flying high, Major Barak inspires a generation of women to reach for the skies.
In a landmark moment for the Indian Armed Forces, Major Abhilasha Barak made history as the first woman combat aviator in the Indian Army. Hailing from Haryana and born into a family with a strong military background, she was commissioned into the Army Air Defence Corps in September 2018, and her rise since then has been nothing short of inspirational.
A proud alumna of Lawrence School, Sanawar, Major Barak went on to earn her B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Delhi Technological University (DTU). Following her commissioning, she completed several professional military courses, proving her mettle in both academics and military leadership.
Her defining moment came on May 25, 2022, when she graduated from the Combat Army Aviation Training School in Nashik, earning the coveted wings along with 36 other officers. The Indian Army marked the day as a “Golden Letter Day”, celebrating not just her achievement, but the historic path it paved for future women in military aviation.
She was selected as the contingent commander during the Presentation of Colours to the Army Air Defence, an honour conferred by then President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, a recognition of her exemplary discipline and leadership.
Major Barak is the daughter of Colonel S Om Singh (Retd), and her journey reflects a legacy of service, now extended with groundbreaking courage. Her induction into the Army Aviation Corps is more than a personal milestone, it’s a symbol of societal progress, encouraging women to take up challenging roles in defence.
Advice for Aspiring Aviators:
- Stay Committed: Passion and perseverance are key, especially in demanding fields like defence and aviation.
- Seek Mentorship: Learning from those who’ve walked the path before can provide invaluable guidance.
- Embrace Opportunities: Be fearless in taking on new challenges—they are stepping stones to greatness.
With unwavering dedication and trailblazing spirit, Major Abhilasha Barak has shown that the sky is not the limit, it’s just the beginning.
