New Delhi: India proudly extends the influence of Nari Shakti (woman power) onto the global stage by dispatching a three-member delegation of women officers, holding pivotal roles in the armed forces, to participate in the World Defense Show 2024 hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. The aim is to showcase the future of defense through technological advancements from around the world, as revealed by officials familiar with the matter on Monday.
Representing the three services, these Indian women officers are making their mark at the show, scheduled from February 4 to 8. Among them are a fighter pilot, a combat engineer, and a naval officer serving aboard a warship, according to the officials who preferred anonymity.
The delegates include Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth from the Indian Air Force, Colonel Ponung Doming from the Indian Army, and Lieutenant Commander Annu Prakash from the Indian Navy, as reported by Hindustan Times.
The World Defense Show serves as a unique platform for the global defense industry to engage, collaborate, exchange knowledge, and explore new innovations and capabilities across all defense domains, as highlighted by the organizers. The event draws top military leaders, government officials, and captains of the defense industry.
Kanth, renowned for flying Sukhoi-30 fighter jets, was among the pioneering trio of women commissioned into the IAF as fighter pilots in 2016.
Doming’s unit is actively involved in constructing a high-altitude road in Ladakh’s Demchok sector, enhancing connectivity to one of the military’s remote outposts near the Line of Actual Control. Furthermore, her unit leads a significant project to upgrade an advanced landing ground near the LAC in eastern Ladakh to a full-fledged base for fighter operations. Prakash, serving as a naval air operations observer, stands as one of the first women officers in the navy to serve aboard a frontline destroyer, INS Kochi.
On February 7, Kanth is set to participate in a panel discussion themed ‘Investing in an Inclusive Future,’ focusing on gender diversity and women’s representation across all levels in the defense domain. Joining Kanth are other esteemed speakers including Major General Adel Al-Balawi from the Saudi Ministry of Defense and Air Marshal ME Sampson from the UK Royal Air Force. Reema Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the US, will lead the ‘International Women in Defense’ program at the show.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized at the National Cadet Corps rally on January 27, following women’s prominent role in the 75th Republic Day parade, that the world is witnessing India’s women projecting Nari Shakti and demonstrating their capabilities in various fields.
Women officers are no longer confined to the periphery but are assuming central roles on par with their male counterparts. They are piloting fighter planes, serving aboard warships, holding command positions, entering the PBOR cadre, qualifying for permanent commission, and undergoing training at the National Defence Academy.
The Republic Day parade prominently featured women, with an all-women tri-service contingent led by women officers participating for the first time. Additionally, 15 women pilots, including six fighter pilots, were part of the spectacular flypast, commanding Rafales, Sukhoi-30s, and helicopters.
Women’s presence was pervasive throughout the Republic Day celebrations, with 80% of all activities involving them. This included the heralding of the parade by 112 women artistes playing various Indian musical instruments and the Vande Bharatam cultural extravaganza involving 1,500 women. The national flag was ceremoniously unfurled by a woman officer upon the arrival of President Droupadi Murmu, accompanied by a resounding 21-gun salute.
