5 Jun 2025, Thu

As Vyomika Singh, or Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, is widely known, she is a gallant leader of the Indian Armed Forces who embodies the spirit of grit and perseverance. She has achieved tremendous success as a helicopter pilot and plays an important role as a symbolic woman figure in military operations such as Operation Sindoor. She has attained this success by 35 years age of, which is truly remarkable.

Biography of Singh begins with her birth on March 10 as a middle-class citizen with no ties to the military in Lucknow. With a military background, Vyomika Singh’s Age will be 35 in 2025. Her father served with dignity and Ras and willingly followed his wife, Teacher Karuna, to retirement. Her two sisters also make her proud with one working as Doctor Bhumika Singh, a scientist in the United Kingdom and the other Nirmalika Singh.An early fascination with the skies fits perfectly with her name ‘Vyomika’ meaning ‘daughter of the sky’ or ‘one who resides in the sky’. This realization did not elude her; during a name meaning discussion in class six, she hoped to be a pilot. A classmate’s exclamation, “You own the sky!” and the teacher’s enthusiastic “yes!” were formative moments that influenced her career choice towards the IAF.

Her childhood in Lucknow is marked by making model planes with her younger brother, an activity that fueled her interest in aviation. While such dreams were often suppressed by society’s expectations on women, her family did not share the same view. In school, she was part of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) where she was taught basic military drills, map reading, flag signaling, and other activities that developed her sense of duty. These years were crucial for her as she decided to shatter the glass ceiling of serving her nation from above.

Educational Journey: Building a Foundation of Aviation  

Vyomika Singh obtained a bachelor’s degree in engineering, becoming the first in her family to do so. Singh’s degree was accompanied with engineering, though she has not disclosed the discipline or institution, which still provided the groundwork for her future prospects in aviation. Singh’s analytical skills acquired during her education offered her immense assistance in the mastery of helicopter operations and the IAF’s strenuous training.  

Upon completion of her degree, Vyomika earned a slot in the IAF through the SSC (Short Service Commission) route by taking the UPSC exam. This was the first pathway made available for women pilots. She encountered hurdles in the beginning however- During the engineer’s ad period there was an employment pilot program that allowed engineers to be employed for pilot roles with a non-refundable advert, meaning no ticket which led to sadness in her school years. Her last-minute SSC option decision did ultimate prevail afterwards in her clearing of the exam during 2004. Following this she was put on a selection program and thus assigned to the training station of the AFA, Air Force Academy, located at Dundigal, Hyderabad. There she underwent rigorous instruction on the operational navigation and combat tactics of  helicopters, during which time she earned her wings and set the stage for a distinguished career.

Career in the Indian Air Force: New Heights

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh’s IAF career achievements illustrate her over 20 years of service. She was commissioned on December 18, 2004 and began her service as a helicopter pilot in the Flying Branch, flying Chetak and Cheetah helicopters, which perform a vital role in reconnaissance, troop transport, as well as rescue and evacuation missions in difficult and hostile terrain. On December 18, 2019, she received a permanent commission which enabled her to fully participate in all organizational functions and render her leadership services identical to those of her male colleagues. This was a notable achievement for women in the Armed Forces.

Vyomika Singh has operated in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the Northeast for over 2500 hours of flight time, some of the most difficult regions in India. She has performed missions that range from operating at sea level to flying at 18000 feet in mountainous terrain. She has evacuated casualties, delivered supplies to villages isolated by landslides, and tough decisions under pressure such as leaving a person behind in order to return the next day. Her decision-making abilities in such situations earned her praise from senior officials like the Chief of Air Staff.

An operation to Arunachal Pradesh in November 2020, was one of her most remarkable missions. She flew through a disorienting fog, high-altitude zones of dense air, and she demonstrated her aptitude and gallantry by rescuing civilians who were stranded in a valley by the monsoon floods. In 2021 she was also part of a different expedition where an all-women tri-services aeoromountaineering team undertook the ascent of the 21,650-foot Mt. Manirang, where she was recognized for advocating the evolving role of women in frontline military service. 

Operation Sindoor: A Defining Moment 

On May 07, 2025, During Operation Sindoor Vyomika Singh Wing Commander profoundly went down in history as she co-led the media briefing for the counter-terror operation of India against the terrorist launch pads in Pakistan and PoK. This came after the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, 2025 which left 26 people dead including 25 Indians and a Nepalese. For Sindoor, she partnered with Indian army Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, explaining the goals which were determinant in its striking precision. Nine terror holdouts associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba were targeted in the operation which destroyed the jihadist infrastructure without initiating a broader conflict.

Vyomika leading the briefing is an important milestone for IAF women’s history as it demonstrates deepening acceptance of women in operational and public-facing roles. Undoubtedly, her demeanor during the press conference and her strategic contributions to it were commanding and earned her praise from the Air Force Chief and the Air Officer-in-Chief of Operational Command. ‘Vyomika Sindoor’ was not only a testament to India’s military achievements, but also *Vyomika’s Sindoor*.

The IAF’s Vyomika Singh carries the multifaceted and challenging workload of a Wing Commander with a primary helicopter pilot’s responsibility. As a branch head, she must ensure the fruitful completion of all assigned activities within the scope of a helicopter pilot’s responsibilities, which include but are not limited to:

Rescue and Evacuation: Under her supervision, numerous search-and-rescue operations were completed. Just think about the 2020 veteran of Arunachal Pradhesh: a flood occurred and civilians had to be rescued from flooded regions during very bad weather. Not every pilot’s flying skills, creativity with plans, or, it seems, overall attitude are adequate. These missions demand above average flying skill, quick wit, and navigational prowess.

Troop and Supply Transport: Vasya has made it a point to transport troops and supplies to isolated outposts for their not-so-easy hover and fight missions in Jammu and Kashmir or the Northeast.

High-Altitude Operations: Vyomika has flown as high as 18,000 feet and completed missions in mountainous areas, which required skillful navigational precision due to high altitude weather conditions and thin air. 

Leadership and Briefing: As an officer of the Integrated Air Force, Vyomika is also known for her flying tasks, as she has assumed managerial positions like briefing Operation Sindoor’s co-leader. This involves watching over the strategic military communication activities, which include cross communication with other military divisions, public representation of the IAF, and advocacy which illustrates the changing status of women in arms services, and the use of women for defense is indeed a sign of progress. 

Training and Mentorship: She actively takes part in training sessions as a senior officer and offers guidance on aviation-related matters as well as personal life management. This includes the instructor perspective on discipline in the military, like how it was in the 2021 all-women mountaineering expedition. This displays her commitment to motivating female officers to excel in teamwork and endurance.

 

That profile at work shows the woman’s versatility—from field tactical operations to strategic communication on a global scale, she must be a central authority of the IAF operational system.

Salary Breakdown: Remuneration and Employee Offerings 

Vyomika Singh’s salary and benefits as a Wing Commander in the IAF are commensurate with her rank, years of service, and the considerable risk involved in her position. A Wing Commander earns: 

Basic Pay: A Wing Commander’s basic pay is pegged at a range of ₹1,21,200 to ₹2,12,400 per month. Given IAF pay scales and Vyomika’s 20 years of service by 2025, her basic pay is likely around ₹1,80,000. 

Military Service Pay (MSP): All IAF officers receive an MSP of ₹15,500 monthly, a recognition of the burden inherent in military service.

 Flying Allowance: As a helicopter pilot, Vyomika earns a flying allowance between ₹17,500 and ₹25,000 every month based on her flight hours and mission risks.

Dearness Allowance (DA): Currently, the DA which is an inflation adjustment, is about 50% of basic pay projected for 2025. This translates to an additional ₹90,000 to her monthly salary.

Other Allowances: These include High Altitude Allowance (from ₹3,400 to ₹25,000 every month as per posting), Transport Allowance (₹3,600 to ₹7,200), and HRA if not provided government accommodation (8 – 24 percent of basic pay or approximately ₹14,400 – ₹43,200). 

Synthesizing these aspects, Vyomika’s total monthly remuneration is estimated between ₹2,50,000 and ₹3,00,000. In ambient terms, her salary after various deductions including taxes and pension contributions would be ₹2,00,000 to ₹2,50,000 a month. Her annual gross income rises to an estimate of ₹30 to 36 lakhs which is also in line with net worth projections of ₹80 lakhs to 1 crore. 

Additional Benefits: Other than salary, these include subsidized rental housing, medical costs for her and her family, right to shop at defense canteens, and a post retirement pension plan. Also, as a permanent commission officer, she qualifies for post retirement perks like gratuity and a lifetime pension which may constitute 50% of the last figure paid to her but indexed upwards for inflation. 

The IAF’s strategies around these salaries and associated benefits, coupled with the remaining dimension of the officer’s roles need uniform balance to serve the objective of paying for high risk officer functions whilst foiling stabilizing measures essential in primary demands of family life like work-life balance for Sr. Vyomika.

Personal Life: Family and Husband of Vyomika Singh

Wing Commander Dinesh Singh Sabharwal, an IAF officer, serves as the devoted husband of Vyomika Singh. Together, they form a military couple who selflessly serve their country. The couple lives in Gurugram while Dinesh’s relatives reside in Bapora Village, a military town in the Bhiwani district of Haryana. Bapora is the native village of Army General VK Singh. Vyomika’s in-laws, particularly her 86-year-old grandmother-in-law, expressed immense pride during Operation Sindoor. Her grandmother-in-law, Ramdei, remarked “May every household be blessed with such a brave daughter-in-law.”  

As is the custom with active military service personnel, Vyomika keeps her personal life private. Described as balanced and humble, she makes time to socialize over tea with friends amid her busy schedule. As a lover of running, she uses the morning jogs to keep fit,  along with yoga, believing that a healthy body supports a clear mind. In addition to reading biographies of pioneering women which inspires her, vise mentors young cadets by teaching them discipline, and the importance of balancing work with personal life.

Impact and Legacy: Fostering Further Advancement

The career of Vyomika Singh is an example of a woman who has broken barriers and redefined the roles assigned to women in the Indian armed forces. She is a first-generation military officer and a stereotype shatterer due to her remarkable achievements in a male-dominated profession. From high-profile media briefings to being a part of major operations, she actively contributes to the gradual shift towards women inclusivity in the military, which helps in motivating the young female fliers. After Operation Sindoor, there were posts on X which commended her as a ‘sky warrior’ and praised her for being the face of Nari Shakti, showcasing the public adulation for her efforts.

This serves as an inspiration for many young girls who wish to pursue flying or any other career of their choice. She is also known for her social initiatives like flood relief operations, portraying the non-combatant side of the IAF. Along with her leadership in Operation Sindoor, her active involvement in mentoring women cadets ensures that her legacy will thrive, shaping a more inclusive and competent defense cadre.

Critical Analysis: Problems and Prospects  

As inspirational as Vyomika’s journey is, it is necessary to step back and look at the bigger picture. The IAF has taken significant steps towards gender equity but issues remain, stubbornly rooted in societal attitudes and organizational frameworks, such as the previous restriction of women serving as pilots. Vyomika’s achievements emphasize the need for systemic changes, such as the Permanent Commission, but the military has to do more to support work-life integration for women commanders—especially for graduates like Vyomika who juggle highly demanding professions alongside family life.  

The competitive nature of her salary and benefits also mirrors the broader realities associated with military service. To support her in the role of a military aviator, the IAF does offer decent remuneration; nevertheless, her compensation is tempered by the considerable personal sacrifice she has to make for her life as an IAF officer at the lower end of the pay spectrum — leading counter-terror operations and flying in hostile environments. The government could better her support further by raising the pay scale for high risk assignments or increasing support for line mental health care—one of the many areas of care required for stres.

Looking forward, Vyomika’s professional advance indicates that she may assume more senior leadership roles that could shape policy geared toward accommodating women in combat roles. Her visibility in operations like Sindoor may also strengthen advocacy in support of mental health services for military personnel, a largely ignored dimension of military life. As India deals with changing security concerns, daughters of India like Vyomika will be pivotal in the drive towards a more integrated and capable defense force.  

Conclusion

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh is a living testament to the ideals of courage and achievement, starting from her childhood dreams in Lucknow to guiding the IAF. Now at 35, she has achieved considerable prominence, particularly with her participation in Operation Sindoor which made her a pioneer. Her story—from a little girl motivated by her own name to an esteemed helicopter pilot—highlights the level of resolve needed and the increasing opportunities for women in the armed forces of India. For most people, it is the high demanding work profile and the handsome pay that comes with the position, but for her, it is a source of fulfillment. While balancing her career and personal life, Vyomika stands as a role model for many. While continuing her service, Phyllis Singh strives to prove that the sky is the limit for those who truly dare to dream.

Faq: Answering Important Inquiries About Vyomika Singh  

Who is Vyomika Singh?

Vyomika Singh is a Wing Commander of the Indian Air Force and a proficient helicopter pilot as well as an important leader in Operation Sindoor, a military operation where she showcased her skills as a leader and fighter for women in the forces.  

How old is Vyomika Singh?

Currently vyomika Singh is 35 years old in 2025, having born on March 10, 1990.

Where was Vyomika Singh born?

Vyomika Singh was born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Who is Vyomika Singh’s spouse?

Her spouse is Wing Commander Dinesh Singh Sabharwal who offices under the IAF as an officer. Together they reside in Gurugram.

What is Vyomika Singh’s responsibilities in the IAF?

In the case of Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, she is a helicopter pilot with a flying experience of over 2,500 hours and takes part in rescue operations, troop transport, and prominent undertakings like Operation Sindoor.

What are Vyomika Singh’s professional responsibilities?

She flies Chetak and Cheetah helicopters on rescue and combat transport missions in difficult terrains, takes part in executive strategy sessions and senior instructional in command roles for young cadets, and leads numerous initiatives such as Operation Sindoor.

What are the Salary Details of Vyomika Singh?

Her salary ranged between ₹2,00,000 to ₹2,50,000, with the specifics of her Basic pay around ₹1,80,000, MSP ₹15,500, Flying allowance ₹17,500 – ₹25,000, DA ₹90,000, benefiting from housing, medical cover and other perks.

What is Operation Sindoor , and what was Vyomika Singh’s role in it?

“Vyomika Singh Wing Commander co-led the media briefing” This quote means that she shared significant information regarding the operation. It had captured the nation’s attention. Sindoor was India’s response attempt at the terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, which was executed in May 2025 after the Pahalgam attack.

In what ways has Singh contributed to her gender in the military?

When Vyomika Singh took an active part in military operations, she had become a source of motivation for many women to pursue military careers, overthrowing the gender biases and advocating for equality.” She is an icon for feminism.

What is Vyomika Singh’s biography an example of?

“The biography of Singh is an example of brave and stubborn person because it describes unremitting pursuit of his life goals and breaking obstacles, especially as a women leader in the army.”

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