The aviation industry has long been dominated by men, but that did not deter Squadron Leader Angeline Bosha from pursuing her dream of flying fighter jets.
Defying the odds, she made history as the first female fighter jet pilot in the Air Force of Zimbabwe.
At just 30 years old, Bosha achieved this remarkable milestone after completing a rigorous year-long training course in China in 2018.
Her determination and skill shone through as she emerged as the only female among 14 pilots from across the globe in her training cohort.
Bosha, who commands Zimbabwe’s Air Force Number 2 Squadron, carries the distinction of piloting the advanced Karakorum-8 (K-8) aircraft.
A global defense report highlights the K-8 as a joint marvel by the Hongdu Aviation Industry Corporation of China and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, with 494 units produced to date.
Born and raised in Chinhoyi, a city known for its revolutionary legacy, Bosha did not initially aspire to aviation.
After leaving her hometown, she volunteered to join the Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) as an officer cadet, setting her on a groundbreaking journey.
“When I joined the AFZ, I never thought that one day I would fly a jet fighter aircraft. I never dreamt of being the first female commander of Number 2 Squadron,” she shared.
Bosha joined the AFZ in 2010, when the military was largely male-dominated.
Her career took a pivotal turn during her training when her instructor, the late Group Captain Ezweni Masuku, offered trainees a hands-on experience in the cockpit.
“I remember when my instructor called back to us at the flying training school and said that anyone who wants to sit up front [in the cockpit] is welcome to do so,” Bosha recalled.
This moment was transformative, leading her to pursue her pilot license and later, instructor certifications.
The journey was far from easy—seven years of rigorous training, spanning multiple flying squadrons and countless hours of flight instructing, prepared her for this historic role.
Bosha credits her success to the support of her commanders, who actively encourage the advancement of women within the ranks.
Reflecting on her journey, she noted the increasing presence of women in aviation.
“To all the ladies out there, it’s important not to expect special treatment. Fields like ours don’t differentiate during training. The standards are the same for men and women, so we must rise to the challenge. When I started flying, women made a low percentage of pilots in the country. It’s now growing,” she said.
Today, Bosha not only commands a fighter jet squadron but also inspires a new generation of women to break barriers in aviation and beyond.
Her superiors have been quick to emphasize that her accomplishment is based on merit rather than preferential treatment.
Group Captain Ezweni Masuku, deputy commander of the Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base, highlighted her exceptional qualifications:
“Flight Lieutenant Bosha is the first female fighter jet pilot of the Air Force of Zimbabwe. Before her, we had never had a female pilot flying fighter jets. What makes her achievement unique is that she met the stringent standards required for a fighter pilot. She earned her place through her capability, not because of affirmative action,” he said.
Masaku also commended her for overcoming the significant physiological challenges of the demanding training, stating, “We will not look at her as a woman but as a fighter pilot.”
Through her trailblazing achievement, Bosha not only inspires aspiring aviators but also proves that excellence knows no gender.
