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Bhawana Kanth: First Woman to Finish IAF Fighter Combat Leader Course

11 August 20261 min read
DEFENCE & SECURITYBhawana Kanth: FirstWoman to Finish IAFFighter Combat LeaderCourse11 August 2026safalsetu.com

Why in the news

In August 2026 an Indian Air Force officer reached a new milestone for women in the force by finishing its toughest combat leadership programme.

Key facts

  • Officer: Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth.
  • Programme: Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) course, run at TACDE, Gwalior.
  • TACDE is the IAF’s elite “Top Gun” school, and she is its first woman graduate.
  • Length of training: 20 weeks.
  • The course prepares selected pilots for leading demanding air combat and tactical missions.

Exam angle

  • Person in news: Bhawana Kanth.
  • Abbreviations: FCL and TACDE.
  • Duration to recall: 20 weeks.

Test yourself

1. Who became the first woman to complete the IAF's Fighter Combat Leader course in 2026?

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth achieved this first.

2. Where is the IAF's Fighter Combat Leader course conducted?

The FCL course is held at TACDE, Gwalior.

3. How long does the Fighter Combat Leader course last?

The FCL course runs for 20 weeks.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 9 & 10 August 2026 (21 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizAugust 2026

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