Wing Commander Vyomika Singh is a woman helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force. Vyomika, along with Colonel Sophia Qureshi, made headlines recently for being a part of the media briefing on Operation Sindoor. Operation Sindoor was carried out on the early morning of May 7, 2025, which was a well-planned and targeted strike in response to the recent attack in Pahalgam. In this article, we are going to list some interesting facts about Vyomika Singh.
Who is Vyomika Singh? Here is everything you need to know about the female Wing Commander.
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Wing Commander Vyomika Singh’s dream to fly was her childhood ambition. Her name, Vyomika, translates to “the one who lives in the sky”. Vyomika Singh has emerged as a symbol of professionalism, courage, and leadership in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Her role in the media briefing for Operation Sindoor, India’s precision military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, has brought her into the national spotlight. Here are some remarkable facts about her journey,
1. Name “Vyomika” inspired her dream
The meaning of her name, “Vyomika,” means the “one who resides in the sky,” ignited her aspiration to become a pilot at the tender age of six. This early inspiration set her on a path to the skies.
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2. She is the first in her family to join the Armed Forces
She comes from a family of educators. Both of her parents, Mr. R.S. Nim and Mrs. Karuna Singh, are retired teachers. Vyomika Singh broke new ground by becoming the first in her family to join the armed forces. She studied at Anthony’s School in Hauz Khas, New Delhi. She has two siblings, Bhumika Singh and Nirmalika Singh. The elder sister, Bhumika Singh, is a scientist based in the UK.
3. Singh pursued an engineering degree and was actively involved in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) during her academic years
Singh holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the Delhi College of Engineering. Before being commissioned into the IAF, she completed training at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad. Her participation in NCC further fueled her fondness and passion for aviation and defense services.
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4. She was commissioned into the IAF in 2004
On December 18, 2004, she was commissioned into the Indian Air Force’s Flying Branch as a helicopter pilot. Over the years, she has accumulated over 2,500 flying hours, operating helicopters like the Chetak and Cheetah in challenging terrains such as Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast India.
Her early assignments comprised reconnaissance, troop transport, and rescue missions.
5. Permanent Commission in 2019
On December 18, 2019, Singh was granted a permanent commission in the Flying Branch, allowing her to continue serving in a long-term capacity within the IAF.
6. She led High-Altitude Rescue Missions in Arunachal Pradesh
In November 2020, she led a high-altitude rescue operation in Arunachal Pradesh, providing critical air support in remote areas. Her leadership in such missions showcases her dedication and skill in challenging situations.
7. Vyomika participated in the Mount Manirang Expedition
In 2021, Singh was part of a tri-services all-women mountaineering expedition to Mount Manirang (21,625 feet) in Himachal Pradesh. This expedition was part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, marking 75 years of India’s independence. Her participation in the Mount Manirang expedition displays an interest in mountaineering.
8. On May 7, 2025, she co-led the Operation Sindoor media briefing
Singh co-led the official media briefing on Operation Sindoor alongside Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The operation targeted nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation utilized precision-guided munitions to minimize civilian casualties.
Singh communicated that the strikes used “niche technology weapons” to avoid civilian casualties and confirmed the destruction of all nine camps. She highlighted that no Pakistani military installations were targeted.
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9. Singh is an advocate for Women’s Empowerment
Beyond her military duties, Singh is an advocate for women’s empowerment. In April 2025, she participated in a panel discussion in Kolkata, stressing the importance of inner strength and resilience in overcoming gender biases.
10. Singh’s leadership and role in Operation Sindoor gained her national recognition
Brands like Amul paid tribute to her and Colonel Qureshi with a topical illustration. Public figures like Sania Mirza shared powerful messages on social media, highlighting their contributions.
11. Singh is married to Dinesh Sabharwal, the Group Captain in the IAF
Her husband is a native of Bapora village in Bhiwani district. His father, Prem Singh Sabharwal, had also retired as the District Excise and Taxation Controller. In an interview, the villagers shared that they are proud of their daughter-in-law,
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“Vyomika is a bahu (daughter-in-law) of the village, and her success brings honour not only to her family but to the entire village. Her father-in-law’s family still resides in the village, while Vyomika lives with her husband in Gurugram”
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh’s journey from a young girl inspired by her name to a leading figure in the Indian Air Force exemplifies dedication, resilience, and the evolving role of women in India’s armed forces.
Are you proud of Wing Commander Vyomika Singh? Let us know in the comments.
