18 Indian Navy Officers, including one woman Officer, graduated from the Helicopter Training School HTS at INS Rajali on successful completion of the 104 Helicopter Conversion Course HCC. The Officers were awarded the coveted ‘Golden Wings’ by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, FOCINC, ENC at an impressive Passing Out Parade POP on 09 June 2025.
The POP marked the culmination of an intensive 22-week programme comprising rigorous flying and ground training at Indian Naval Air Squadron INAS 561, the almamater of helicopter pilots of Indian Navy. Underscoring Indian Navy’s commitment to foster gender inclusive environment and equal career opportunities for women, Sub Lieutenant Siddhi Hemant Dubey created history by becoming the second woman helicopter pilot of Indian Navy, on successful completion of her training.
During the ceremony, awards were presented to recognise outstanding trainees. The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Rolling Trophy for trainee pilot standing First in Order of Merit in flying was awarded to Lieutenant Vishavdeep Rajput, the Sub Lieutenant Kunte Memorial Book Prize for excellence in ground subjects was awarded to Lieutenant Utkarsh Ishwar and the Governor of Kerala Rolling Trophy for overall first in merit was awarded to Lieutenant Abhinav Rathee, acknowledging their exceptional dedication and performance during the course.
Upholding its mission statement, ‘On Time, Every Time’, the HTS has trained 866 pilots from Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Friendly Foreign Nations FFNs over the past five decades, and continues to provide helicopter flying training of the highest standards. The newly graduated pilots will be deployed to frontline units of Indian Navy undertaking vital roles in reconnaissance, surveillance, Search and Rescue SAR and Antipiracy operations
