Meet Captain Abhilasha Barak – The first women Combat Aviator

captain abhilasha barak

Indian Army has created a history by appointing their first woman officer in the Army Aviation Corps division. Captain Abhilasha Barak (26 years old from Hariyana), the first women officer appointed as Combat Aviator in Army Aviation Corps Division.

Indian Army Aviation Corps

The Army Aviation Corps started its operations from November 1986. It operates the Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH). One of the important roles it carries out is supporting the army’s deployments on high altitudes.

Who is Captain Abhilasha Barak?

Captain Abhilasha Barak hails from the family dedicated to Indian Army. She is the daughter of retired Colonel S Om Singh. Abhilasha completed her Bachelor’s in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Delhi Technology University in 2016.

Abhilasha Barak was commissioned to Indian Army in 2018 from Officers Training Academy, Chennai. She was selected as a Contingent Commander for Presentation of Colours to Army Air Defence by the President. She completed her grading in Army Air Defence Young Officers course in Air Traffic Management, Air Laws course and promotional exam on her first attempt.

Indian Army on Instagram

Director General and Colonel Commandant awarded Captain Abhilasha Barak with Coveted Wings along with 36 army pilots at Combat Army Aviation Training school, Nashik .

Indian Army shared pictures from the event on it official Instagram quoting, “Golden Letter Day in the history of Indian Army Aviation. Captain Abhilasha Barak becomes the first woman officer to join Army Aviation Corps as Combat Aviator after successful completion of training. Young aviators are now ready to spread their wings in Combat Aviation squadrons.”

In debt to Army Aviation Corps

The Indian Express reported that Captain Barak while speaking reminisced her past saying, “Not many people know this, but in 1987, during Operation Meghdoot, my father was leading a patrolling party from Amar Post to Bana Top Post (earlier Quaid Post). Due to bad weather, he suffered from Cerebral Odema. He evacuated in the right time and brought back to Amar post. He owes his life to the Army Aviation Corps and hence, so do I.”

“Barak assigns with second flight of 2072 Army Aviation Squadron that operates Dhruv Advanced light helicopter (ALH)”-Hindustan times.