Lt. Kateryna serves as Ukraine’s only female combat helicopter pilot

“I would like more women to fly,” said Kateryna, adding that she was the only woman among 45 men while studying at the Kharkiv National Air Force University.

She said that even now, very few women are training to become pilots at the country’s main military aviation institution. Six girls turned to her on Instagram for advice.

“I try to support them and tell them that they will succeed,” said Kateryna.

The university told the NYT that they cannot disclose information about the number of female pilots.

Kateryna’s father was an officer at the air base, and the girl’s desire to fly a helicopter appeared after she flew an Mi-8 at the age of 10. According to her, she sometimes doubts her abilities, but this happens not only in the army, but in any profession in general, “especially when you are a woman.”

When Kateryna was 16, she entered the Kharkiv National Air Force University. According to her, one of the teachers turned to her: “Why are you here? This is not for girls. You will not succeed.”

However, a female instructor on helicopter simulators inspired Kateryna to continue her studies. “She told me not to listen to anyone, and I thought: if she can fly, then why can’t I?” — said the pilot.

Kateryna joined the 18th separate army aviation brigade in 2023, and began performing combat missions in September 2024. She currently serves as a co-pilot and navigator on a Mi-8 helicopter and has already flown more than 30 combat missions.

“I never worry during a flight. All difficult thoughts can come before or after. During the flight, my mind is clear,” says the military woman.

One of Kateryna’s combat missions took place last week. At that time, she was flying a so-called “radio relay helicopter, providing communication for two others flying ahead and launching salvos of missiles at Russian targets.”

“As soon as I hear on the radio that we hit the target, like today, I know the mission is accomplished. I feel: ‘Phew, great, we did it,’” the pilot said.

She also noted that the men she serves with mostly try to support her, although they sometimes allow sexist comments, which she “learned to ignore.”