Breaking Barriers, Defending Skies

By Flying Officer Nitu Thapliyal (Retd)

In 1996, I had the honor of being part of a historic milestone—the first batch of women officers inducted into the operational branch of the Indian Air Force as Fighter Controllers and Air Traffic Controllers. Selected as a Fighter Controller, I stepped into a role that had, until then, been the sole domain of men. It was both a privilege and a responsibility—to be among the first women directly contributing to India’s air defence operations.

Our journey began with intense physical conditioning and demanding academic training at the Air Force Administrative College, Coimbatore. On 24th May 1996, we were commissioned into the Indian Air Force—a moment etched forever in my memory.

After commissioning, we moved to the Air Defence College, Memaura, for six months of professional training. We immersed ourselves in radar intercepts, mission planning, and live practice missions with fighter aircraft. This was followed by deployment to forward radar stations for real-time training.

My first posting was Amritsar. Winters were harsh, and our day began before sunrise, walking through freezing fog to the operations room. Inside, we tracked aircraft, planned interceptions, and coordinated missions. Despite the rigour, camaraderie made those days unforgettable—coffee sessions, laughter, and games after duty. Seniors were strict on the job but mentors off-duty, teaching us not just operational excellence but how to live with honour in uniform.

After training, I was posted to Delhi, entrusted with air defence responsibilities during Republic Day and Independence Day flypasts—securing the skies over the capital. While the country slept peacefully, we sat alert at radar consoles, monitoring every movement in the sky.

One light-hearted memory stands out: during a foggy night round, a sentry challenged me with the standard call—“Thum kaun aata hai!” Mid-sentence, realizing I was a woman officer, he corrected himself: “Kaun aati hai!” His flustered sincerity still makes me smile—a small reminder of the change we were part of.

Life had its surprises too. During a Commanders’ Conference, I met a young pilot who memorized my phone number at first sight. His honesty and charm led to a beautiful journey—one that began in the Air Force and continues to this day.

My second posting was Jammu—a front-row seat to history. On 3rd May 1999, the first signs of intrusion in Kargil emerged. My husband flew Mi-17 sorties while I monitored hostile UAVs and facilitated safe passage for IAF missions.

During the IC-814 hijacking, I tracked the aircraft in real-time and relayed updates to the Prime Minister’s Office. Later, during Operation Parakram, I continued radar duties through my second trimester of pregnancy, often in specially tailored overalls.

On 10th June 2002, Operation Parakram stood down. On 11th June, I gave birth to my son, Vedansh. His hospital tag read:
“Son of Flying Officer Nitu Thapliyal.”
That phrase meant everything—it proved motherhood and national service can coexist with strength and dignity.

I served actively for 11 years, participating in large-scale air defence exercises and emergency operations. At the time, women were not eligible for permanent commission. Despite this, our pioneering batch proved that women could perform under pressure and make split-second decisions in operationally critical roles.

Our success reopened women’s entry into Fighter Controller and ATC streams in 2000 and paved the way for permanent commission in 2010.

Reflection
From warzones to emergency hijack responses, from balancing motherhood with duty to breaking gender stereotypes—I have held one thing sacred: my commitment to the Tricolour.

ABCEL Perspective
Nitu’s story is a testament to courage and transformation. She stood at the threshold of change, proving that gender is no barrier to operational excellence. Her journey reminds us that leadership is not about titles—it’s about breaking barriers and inspiring generations.

Disclaimer:
Edited for clarity and storytelling with contributor permission. ABCEL has not verified this story for accuracy.
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