Who is Wing Commander Niketa Pandey? Check Her Career, Awards, and Honours

Niketa Pandey, a Wing Commander from Indian Air Force joined the forces in 2011 through the Short Service Commission (SSC) route. She was a part of very important operations such as Operation Sindoor and Operation Balakot. Niketa Pandey plays an important role as a fighter controller and has served for more than 13.5 years in the armed forces.

Recently, the Supreme Court stayed the release of Wing Commander Niketa Pandey since she joined through the Short Service Commission (SSC). This was in light of the uncertainty faced by such officers throughout their long term career aspects. According to the court, this issue is concerning and should be addressed with the help of an updated policy. 

The SSC is a common entry way for women in the IAF, as compared to their male officers who can opt for both SSC and Permanent Commission. Her choice in the IAF and her subsequent promotion to the position of Wing Commander shows a strong education level as well as outstanding performance in the tough selection and training procedures of the Indian armed forces.

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Career Highlights

• Joining the Indian Air Force
• Joined through Short Service Commission (SSC):
• Niketa Pandey began her career in the IAF as an SSC officer, an option largely open to women since 1992.

Operational Roles

Operation Sindoor:

Officer Niketa Pandey was a part of Operation Sindoor, an important mission, because of her strategic thinking and experience. This goes to testify the faith and confidence reposed by the IAF leadership in her.

Service Tenure

Tenure Extension:

Having served out her initial 10-year period, she was given an extension till June 19, 2025, subject to the decision on her application for permanent commission.

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Legal Advocacy

Supreme Court Petition: In the ongoing legal discussion about gender equality in the military, Wing Commander Pandey has taken center stage. She petitioned the Supreme Court to allow her to stay in service until the outcome of a special selection board's decision regarding her request for a permanent commission.

The fact that senior counsel Menaka Guruswamy and counsel Astha Sharma are representing her emphasizes the importance of her case in relation to the broader discussion of women's rights in the military.

Honors and Awards

Although the specific honors and awards given to Wing Commander Niketa Pandey have not been disclosed, her selection for significant missions and her ascent to the rank of Wing Commander are testaments to her leadership and professional proficiency for the Indian Air Force.

Her push for permanent commission and women's equality in the military also points to her dedication to service as well as to her being a pioneer for generations of women officers to come.

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