A video is circulating on social media, and some regional news outlets claim that Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, the Indian Air Force’s first female Rafale fighter pilot, has allegedly been captured in Kotli, located in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The details of the reported incident remain unclear, and there has been no official confirmation or comment from the Indian Air Force or the Government of India so far. Recent footage purportedly shows Pakistani security personnel approaching an ejected Indian pilot, reportedly to take her into custody, though this remains unverified.
Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, (pilot of the Indian fighter jet that was shot down by #PakistanAirForce) is in #Pakistan‘s custody. Needless to say, she shall be accorded the full rights & protections under the Geneva Convention. #operationbunyanulmarsoos pic.twitter.com/pljn78G4KA
— Abdullah Mumtaz Kahloon (@AMKahloon) May 10, 2025
Shivangi Singh, 29, is the first and only woman in India selected to operate the French-made Rafale multirole fighter jet, a symbol of India’s advancing air power. She joined the IAF in 2017 and entered the fighter pilot stream in 2018, following the Indian military’s decision to allow women in combat aviation roles.
Indian Pilot Caught In Azaad Kashmir , Pakistan Kashmir , Sqn Ldr Shivangi singh #IndiaPakistanWar #IndianArmy #PakistanZindabad #บุญเลื่อง #IndiaPakistanWar pic.twitter.com/WHa6MRlEii
— Sameer Sheikh (@Sheikh1Sameer) May 10, 2025
In a previous interview with AFP, Singh shared how a childhood visit to the Indian Air Force Museum in New Delhi ignited her passion for aviation, saying, “This is where my adventure began. I knew immediately that I wanted to become a pilot.” Her induction into the elite Rafale squadron marked a significant achievement both personally and in terms of India’s efforts to modernize and diversify its military forces.
#BREAKING – 🇵🇰⚡💥🇮🇳 Unverified reports claim that Pakistani security forces detained Flight Lieutenant Shivangi Singh, India’s first woman Rafale fighter pilot from the Golden Arrows Squadron, after her ejection.
Singh is part of the Ambala-based squadron in Punjab. These… pic.twitter.com/2avw08ccro
— Monitor𝕏 (@MonitorX99800) May 10, 2025
Married to another fighter pilot, Singh has often spoken publicly about overcoming barriers and inspiring future generations of women in the armed forces. She is widely recognized as a symbol of India’s push toward a more inclusive defense sector.
Despite widespread speculation, there has been no official confirmation or denial from defense authorities on either side. The situation remains fluid, and developments are being closely monitored.
Until verified by credible sources, these reports should be approached with caution.
