Women too can fly fighter jets: President Patil

Lohegaon (Maharashtra), Nov 25 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil on Wednesday said Indian women too can fly fighter jets if chance was given to them.

Addressing a press conference here after successfully completing a record sortie in Sukhoi 30 Mki aircraft, President Patil said: "They are some technical requirements and qualifications to be completed. And also, one has to study the situation, which need to be faced by women pilots. The government is considering the matter."

"Let met tell you, I have full faith in our women and their capacity to perform a given assignment. They have done extremely well in all fields. am confident that the government will take an appropriate decision," she added.

"Initially, there were no women in the armed forces. Now, we have. In the same way, we have women pilots for helicopters, commercial aircrafts. Now, the government is thinking on the lines of recruiting them as fighter pilots, I am sure that a proper decision will be taken," she said.

Earlier in the day, 74-year-old, Patil created history by becoming the first serving female head of state to fly in an Indian Air Force Sukhoi-30 MKi fighter aircraft.

She also congratulated the defence force for their technical expertise, and having an advanced sophisticated way in handling defence equipments.

"The country should be proud of defence forces, their will to sacrifice for the country, and have faith in their ability to face any challenge," Patil said.

Commenting on her flight, she said: I was confident since day one and I am confident now also. Practicing yoga also helped me and I also followed the instructions given by the air force officials carefully."

President Patil replied the questions in English, Hindi and Marathi languages. (ANI)