Wing Commander Vyomika Singh is a senior helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF). She recently became known to the public when she spoke at a media briefing about Operation Sindoor. This was a joint military strike carried out by India against terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was in response to a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 Indian tourists were killed on April 22.
At the press briefing, she was joined by Colonel Sophia Qureshi of the Indian Army and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. It was a rare moment to see two senior women officers speaking on behalf of the Indian Armed Forces together.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh – Biographical Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vyomika Singh |
| Rank | Wing Commander, Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Branch | Flying Branch – Helicopter Pilot |
| Commissioning Date | 18 December 2004 (Short Service Commission, 21st SSC Women Flying Pilot Course) |
| Permanent Commission | 18 December 2019 |
| Flying Experience | Over 2,500 flying hours on Chetak and Cheetah helicopters |
| Notable Operations | |
| Rescue Missions | Led a critical rescue operation in Arunachal Pradesh in November 2020, providing air support in remote areas. |
| Mountaineering | Participated in a tri-services all-women mountaineering expedition to Mount Manirang (21,625 ft) in Himachal Pradesh in August 2021, as part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations. |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in engineering (institution undisclosed); trained at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad. |
| Early Life | Born in India; exact date and place of birth not publicly disclosed. Participated in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) during school and college years. |
| Family Background | First in her family to join the armed forces. Parents: Mr. R.S. Nim (retired Botany teacher) and Mrs. Karuna Singh (retired educator). Siblings: Bhumika Singh (scientist in the UK) and Nirmalika Singh. |
| Marital Status | Married to an officer in the Indian Air Force. |
| Current Role (2025) | Public spokesperson for the Indian Air Force during the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict; emphasized India’s commitment to non-escalation provided Pakistan reciprocates. |
| Salary & Benefits | Monthly salary estimated between ₹90,000 and ₹1,20,000. Additional allowances include: |
| Languages | Hindi, English |
| Notable Traits | Known for her composure, operational expertise, and leadership in high-pressure situations. |
A Career Built on Passion and Determination
Wing Commander Singh started off with a dream to fly. She was interested in airplanes and the armed forces as a child. She was part of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in school. It further enhanced her passion for flying and serving the country.
She graduated from school and then pursued engineering. She later enrolled in the Indian Air Force. She was commissioned as a helicopter pilot and demonstrated her abilities through numerous missions. She was granted a permanent commission in the flying branch of the IAF on December 18, 2019.
Flying in High-Risk Areas
Wing Commander Singh has logged more than 2,500 hours of flying time in her career. She has flown helicopters such as the Chetak and Cheetah in some of India’s most challenging and risky regions. These include Jammu and Kashmir, where terrain and weather conditions can be extremely challenging, and the Northeast region, which also demands a lot of skill and bravery.
She has been involved in numerous search and rescue operations, some of which rescued lives, even in highly dangerous situations. One of her biggest operations was a high-altitude rescue in Arunachal Pradesh in November 2020. In this operation, she and her crew worked under extremely cold temperatures and high altitudes to rescue people in peril.
Part of a Historic All-Women Expedition
Wing Commander Singh accompanied an all-women tri-services expedition to the 21,650-foot-high Mount Manirang in 2021. The group comprised women officers of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The climb was not merely to the summit; it was to prove the mettle and capability of women in the armed forces. The expedition was welcomed by senior defence leaders such as the Chief of Air Staff.
Vyomika Singh Role in Operation Sindoor
In 2025, when Operation Sindoor was launched, Wing Commander Singh played an important role. The operation was a joint effort by the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Its goal was to destroy terrorist camps that were planning more attacks in India.
She was one of the officers who gave an official briefing to the media about the mission. She explained that India had used precision-guided weapons, including air-to-ground missiles and drones, to hit the targets. These targets were located in areas known to support terrorist groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
According to reports, between 80 and 90 terrorists were killed during the strikes. The most important hits were in Bahawalpur and Muridke, strongholds of these terror groups.
Pakistan’s Reaction and Aftermath
After the operation, Pakistan confirmed that there had been explosions, but denied the presence of terrorist camps. They called the Indian action a “blatant act of war” and claimed that civilians were killed. However, Indian officials said they did not target any military or civilian buildings. They said the operation was a self-defence action.
Following the attack, Pakistan started heavy shelling across the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border. Sadly, three Indian civilians were killed in the shelling. The Indian Army responded with equal force to stop the attacks.
A Role Model for Many
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh is today regarded as a role model for young women and girls from all over India. She has proved that anything is achievable through hard work, passion, and determination, even flying above the sky and safeguarding the country.
Her presence at such an important media briefing shows how much trust the Indian Armed Forces have in her skills and leadership. She represents a new generation of women in uniform who are not only breaking barriers but also leading from the front.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh FAQs
Who is Wing Commander Vyomika Singh?
She is a senior helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force. She helps the country by flying in risky places and taking part in rescue and military missions.
Why is she in the news?
She gave a media briefing about Operation Sindoor, a military strike against terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK.
What is Operation Sindoor?
It was a joint operation by the Army, Navy, and Air Force to destroy terrorist camps after an attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 Indian tourists were killed.
What is special about the media briefing?
It was rare because two senior women officers, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sophia Qureshi, spoke together for the armed forces.
What aircraft does she fly?
She flies helicopters like the Chetak and Cheetah, mostly in tough areas like Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast.
How much flying experience does she have?
She has over 2,500 hours of flying experience.
Has she done rescue work?
Yes, she has done many search and rescue missions, including one at high altitude in Arunachal Pradesh.
What was the all-women expedition she joined?
In 2021, she climbed Mount Manirang (21,650 ft) with other women officers from the Army and Navy.
What weapons were used in Operation Sindoor?
India used missiles, drones, and guided bombs to hit terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK.
Why is she an inspiration?
She shows that women can lead in the military and serve the country with courage and skill.
