The Indian Navy has been a front-runner in driving transformation in the Armed Forces

Five female Indian Navy officers assigned to INAS 314 at Naval Air Enclave, Porbandar made history on Wednesday by flying a Dornier 228 on the first-ever all-female independent maritime reconnaissance and surveillance mission in the North Arabian Sea.

The aircraft was captained by the Mission Commander, Lt Cdr Aanchal Sharma, who had pilots (Lt Shivangi and Lt Apurva Gite) and Tactical and Sensor Officers (Lt Pooja Panda and SLt Pooja Shekhawat) in her team. The women officers received months of ground training and comprehensive mission briefings in the run up to this historical sortie.

INAS 314 is a frontline Naval Air Squadron based at Porbandar, Gujarat and operates the state-of-the-art Dornier 228 maritime reconnaissance aircraft.

Announcing the feat, the Ministry of Defence of India said the Indian Navy has been a front-runner in driving transformation in the Armed Forces.

"Its impressive and pioneering women empowerment initiatives include induction of women pilots, selection of women Air Operations Officers into the helicopter stream and conducting an all-women sailing circumnavigation expedition across the globe in 2018," the ministry said.

This first-of-its-kind military flying mission, which was described as "unique" by the defence ministry, is expected to pave the way for women officers in the aviation cadre to assume greater responsibility and aspire for more challenging roles.

"It perhaps marks a unique achievement for the Armed Forces that a crew of only women officers undertook an independent operational mission in a multi-crew maritime surveillance aircraft," the ministry pointed out.

The defence ministry congratulated the officers on their success and for inspiring millions of women all across India and the world to break free from all shackles and achieve their dreams.

"It was indeed a mission that showcased "Nari Shakti" in its real spirit," the ministry added.