GHAZIABAD, India, Oct. 9 (UPI)

Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha told reporters women will soon fly fighter jets, as the force marks its 83rd anniversary on Thursday. Raha said women already fly transport aircraft and helicopters, and that the Indian Air Force has plans to induct them into fighter positions, according to Indian news network NDTV. "I have no doubt that women will be able to overcome any physical limitations to become fighter pilots," he said. Currently, there are about 1,500 women serving in the Indian Air Force, making up about 8.5 percent of total personnel. This includes 94 pilots and 14 navigators. Historically, women were excluded from fighter pilot positions, like other combat positions, out of fear they would be subject to rape or torture in the event they were captured by an enemy. Women also hold administrative, medical and education positions within the Air Force, and are sometimes taken on aircraft as observers.

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Mar 15, 2014 brahmand.com

KOLKATA (PTI): Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha Friday said that the IAF was poised to transform into a strategic aerospace power with the ongoing modernisation.

"IAF (Indian Air Force) is on a trajectory of modernisation and is transforming into a strategic aerospace power with full spectrum capability," said ACM Raha in his address to the personnel at Kalaikunda airbase in West Bengal.

He also urged all personnel to display exemplary leadership in pursuit of excellence.

Accompanied by wife Lily, Raha is on a four-day official visit in West Bengal to various defence establishments since Thursday.

At Kalaikunda, the air force chief also reviewed various measures being undertaken by the station towards operational commitments.

He also visited No 18 squadron and flew in a MiG-27 trainer aircraft with Gp Capt Ashish Rana, Commanding Officer of the squadron.

Earlier upon arrival at Kolkata he had called on Governor M K Narayanan at Raj Bhavan. He was scheduled to visit the Eastern Command's headquarter in Kolkata Saturday.

Raha also kept his promised date with his alma mater, Sainik School in Purulia, where he had studied from 1965 to 1970.

Addressing cadets of the school, he said it was a special pleasure to revisit it within three months since taking over as the Air Chief.

Talking to media-persons at Purulia, he described Sainik Schools as being among the best public schools that are building foundations for future leaders of our country.

"The Air Chief's visit has certainly overwhelmed the cadets who see him as their role model. This will not only motivate the cadets to aspire for a career in the Defence but will also boost the parents to encourage their children to become officers in the Armed Forces of the country," Principal Col B S Ghorpade said.