In a proud moment for the Indian Air Force and the nation, Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, India’s trailblazing Rafale pilot, has officially earned the Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) badge — a prestigious step forward in a distinguished career already filled with historic firsts.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday released the first official photograph of Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh after Operation Sindoor during the valedictory ceremony of the 159th Qualified Flying Instructor Course (QFIC) held at Flying Instructors School, Air Force Station Tambaram.
The announcement comes amid a backdrop of false propaganda by Pakistani media, which claimed that Singh had been taken into custody following the downing of her jet near Sialkot during Operation Sindoor.
These fabricated reports stirred social media and attempted to sow confusion about one of India’s most recognised women in uniform.
The ceremony, held a day earlier on October 9, 2025, was presided over by Air Marshal Tejbir Singh, SASO of Training Command, IAF, who attended as Chief Guest.
A total of 59 officers — from the IAF, other Indian defence services, and friendly foreign nations — were awarded the coveted QFI badge.
Pakistani Propaganda Crumbles
For weeks leading up to the ceremony, Pakistani media outlets ran wild with false narratives, alleging that Singh had been arrested after her aircraft was shot down near the border.
These rumours, entirely unfounded, attempted to target the credibility of the Indian Air Force and demoralise public sentiment.
However, the IAF’s release of Shivangi Singh’s image and her inclusion in the elite cadre of flying instructors served as a powerful rebuttal, underscoring her ongoing service, resilience, and growing leadership within the force.
Who is Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh?
Shivangi Singh is India’s first woman pilot to fly the Rafale, the IAF’s cutting-edge multi-role fighter aircraft. She has previously been posted with the Golden Arrows Squadron at Ambala, one of the key units operating the Rafale fleet.
During Operation Sindoor, she is reported to have played a pivotal role in countering Pakistani aerial provocations, showcasing the strategic edge and professionalism of Indian combat aviation.
Known for her professionalism and grit, she continues to inspire young aspirants, especially women, to join combat roles in the armed forces.
As Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh dons the QFI badge, she not only silences misinformation but also blazes a trail for the next generation of warriors in blue — proving that facts, courage, and dedication will always fly higher than rumours.