Who is Wing Commander Vyomika Singh?

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, a name now resonating with valor and leadership, is a helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF). She has recently come into the national spotlight for her crucial role in the media briefing for Operation Sindoor, India’s strategic military response to the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. Alongside Colonel Sophia Qureshi, Wing Commander Singh symbolized the growing role of women in India’s defence operations—both on the ground and in public communication.

But behind this powerful presence is a journey shaped by childhood dreams, academic dedication, and relentless service across India’s toughest terrains.

A Dream Rooted in Her Name: Early Life and Education

Born with the name Vyomika, meaning “one who belongs to the sky,” her ambition took flight early. It was in Class 6 that Vyomika declared her desire to become a pilot, inspired by the symbolic weight her name carried. This wasn’t a passing fancy—it became her mission.

To turn this vision into reality, she joined the National Cadet Corps (NCC), where her interest in aviation deepened. Vyomika then pursued an engineering degree, equipping herself with a robust technical foundation that would later support her career as an aviator. Her academic path and NCC training made her the first in her family to enter the Indian Armed Forces—a pioneering achievement that set her apart from the very beginning.

Career in the Indian Air Force: From Cadet to Commander

Wing Commander Singh was commissioned into the flying branch of the IAF as a helicopter pilot and received a permanent commission on December 18, 2019. Since then, she has logged over 2,500 hours of flying time, operating iconic Indian helicopters such as the Chetak and Cheetah.

Her assignments have taken her across India’s most perilous regions, including high-altitude terrains in Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast, where flying requires exceptional skill, courage, and precision.

Key Missions and Contributions:

• In November 2020, she led a daring rescue mission in Arunachal Pradesh, navigating volatile weather conditions to save lives—demonstrating superior leadership and flying capabilities.
• In 2021, she was selected for a tri-services all-women mountaineering expedition to Mt. Manirang (21,650 ft), a feat that demanded both physical and mental endurance and was recognized at the highest levels of defence leadership.

Role in Operation Sindoor: A Historic Moment

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh played a critical role in India’s response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack through her presence at the official media briefing for Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025.

What Was Operation Sindoor?

Operation Sindoor was a pre-dawn, precision strike against nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Designed to be non-escalatory, the operation was executed as a measured but firm retaliation for the brutal murder of 26 Indian civilians.

At the media briefing, Wing Commander Singh addressed the press in English, confidently explaining the rationale and outcome of the operation. Sharing the platform with Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, she became one of the first women officers to co-lead a defence press conference of such magnitude. This milestone not only showcased her operational role but also underlined her responsibility in strategic communication.

Awards and Honours

For her professional excellence, Singh has received commendations from:

• The Chief of Air Staff
• The Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of an operational command

These recognitions were not just ceremonial. They were acknowledgments of her contributions in:

• High-altitude rescue operations
• Endurance mountaineering missions
• Operational leadership in sensitive zones

Such accolades place her among the most respected officers in the IAF and highlight her as a role model for aspiring women in the military.

India’s Military Preparedness: The Role of Mock Drills

Wing Commander Singh’s success in Operation Sindoor and previous missions also reflects the IAF’s commitment to readiness through intensive mock drills. These simulations mirror real-world operational scenarios and are essential to prepare teams for missions like Sindoor.

Vyomika Singh has been an integral part of such preparatory exercises—reinforcing the idea that modern warfare is as much about precision and planning as it is about execution.

Legacy and Inspiration

From a young girl dreaming about the sky to a trailblazing officer in India’s air defence, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh’s story is one of ambition, courage, and resilience. Her journey is an embodiment of the new India—where women are not just participants but leaders in the armed forces.

Her achievements inspire thousands of young cadets, especially girls, to believe that the sky is not the limit, but just the beginning.

Read this: India Launches ‘Operation Sindoor’; Precision Strikes Hit Nine Terror Camps in Pakistan and PoJK

Suggested Sources for Further Reading

To explore more about Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Operation Sindoor, refer to these open and credible sources:

• NDTV – Who is Wing Commander Vyomika Singh
• Indian Express – The Women Behind Operation Sindoor Briefing
• Rediff – The Woman Pilot Who Briefed India on Operation Sindoor
• Business Standard – Wing Commander Singh’s Profile
• Times of India – IAF’s Vyomika Singh’s Career

Read this: Who Are Col. Sophia Qureshi & W. C Vyomika Singh: Operation Sindoor