Squadron Leader Priya Sharma's flight will shine in the MiG-21's farewell; learn about her education and salary.

Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, who has made her mark as a female fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force, is playing a key role in the farewell ceremony for the MiG-21 aircraft.

An era in the history of the country's air power will conclude on September 26th, when the IAF's MiG-21 fighter aircraft will be formally decommissioned. On this day, the MiG-21s of the 23rd Squadron, known as the 'Panthers,' will be given a solemn farewell at the Chandigarh Air Force Station.

Squadron Leader Priya Sharma will also participate in this historic ceremony. She will be part of a flight that will include a flypast of six aircraft and will receive a water cannon salute upon landing. Priya Sharma also flew throughout the rehearsal on Wednesday, making her significant contribution to this farewell.

Who is Priya Sharma?

Priya Sharma graduated from the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, in 2018. She is the seventh female fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force. At her commissioning, then-Army Chief Bipin Rawat presented her with a flying officer certificate.

A native of Jhunjhunu district in Rajasthan, Sharma followed in her father's footsteps and joined the Air Force. After completing her engineering degree, she was the only female fighter pilot in her batch. She served her initial posting at Hackimpet Air Force Station, Hyderabad, and later transferred to Bidar Air Force Station, Karnataka, for Stage 2 and Stage 3 advanced fighter training.

Priya Sharma explains that her passion for flying dates back to her childhood. She would watch Jawager and Hawk aircraft fly while her father was stationed in Bidar. This passion inspired her to become a female fighter pilot.

What is the salary?

In the Indian Air Force, a squadron leader earns a pay band ranging from ₹69,400 to ₹207,200 per month. This also includes other allowances and facilities, such as housing allowance, transport allowance, dearness allowance, etc.

MiG-21 Farewell and Ceremony

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will be the chief guest at the ceremony on September 26th. The ceremony will begin with a jump from 8,000 feet by the IAF's elite skydiving team, 'Akash Ganga'. This will be followed by a grand flypass of MiG-21 aircraft, including a performance by the Air Warrior Drill Team.

Fighter pilots will fly in 'Badal' and 'Panther' formations. The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team will also perform a thrilling performance. A special postage stamp commemorating the MiG-21 will also be released to mark the occasion.