In a groundbreaking moment for the Indian Armed Forces, Lieutenant Commander Divya Sharma has made history by becoming the first woman Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) in the Indian Navy. This milestone not only symbolizes her personal achievement but also reflects a powerful shift in the traditionally male-dominated sphere of military aviation.
Currently posted at INS Utkrosh under the Andaman and Nicobar Command, Lt Cdr Sharma serves with the Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 318, operating the Dornier aircraft. With her new credentials as a QFI, she will now be training the next generation of Navy pilots — a role that requires not just flying prowess but exceptional leadership and instructional capabilities.
Lt Cdr Sharma’s journey has been one of grit, focus, and steady progression. A native of Malviya Nagar in New Delhi, she was among the first three women to be operationally cleared to fly the Dornier aircraft in 2020. Her performance during the rigorous 27th Dornier Operational Flying Training (DOFT) course earned her the ‘First in Flying’ award — a clear indication of the excellence she brought early into her aviation career.
The Indian Navy acknowledged her achievement with pride, calling it a historic moment for women in uniform. Their official statement called her a trailblazer who is not only soaring through the skies but also breaking barriers on the ground.
This development comes at a time when the Indian Navy is consciously opening up more roles for women, including combat and operational positions. With officers like Lt Cdr Sharma leading the way, young women aspiring to serve the nation in uniform now have new role models to look up to.
As she dons the instructor badge, Lt Cdr Divya Sharma is not just training pilots — she’s shaping the future of the Indian Navy and redefining what leadership looks like in the cockpit.
