Shaliza Dhami A First Woman To Command A Combat Unit Of Indian Air Force

The Indian Air Force (IAF) for the first time in its history selects a ‘Woman Group Captain’ to take over command of a frontline combat unit in the western sector. 

Shaliza Dhami is the first woman to command any combat unit of IAF.

The selection came in following the Army’s role of assigning women officers to command roles for the first time, outside the medical stream. 

It’s estimated that around 50 of them are likely to head operational unit areas, including forward. The recruitment process will consider both the northern and eastern commands.

Meanwhile, Dhami was commissioned in the year 2003 as a Helicopter pilot and has over 2,800 hours of flying experience. She is a qualified flying Instructor and has served as ‘Flight Commander of a Helicopter Unit’ in the western sector.

The post of a Group Captain in the IAF is equivalent to a colonel in the army and Dhami’s selection for the same sets a great example of woman power before the nation.

She has been commended by the air officer commanding-in-chief twice and the officer is presently serving in the operations branch of a frontline command headquarters.