In a landmark moment for gender inclusivity and operational excellence in the Indian Armed Forces, Lieutenant Commander Divya Sharma, a Dornier aircraft pilot of Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 318, INS Utkrosh, has scripted history by becoming the first woman Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) of the Indian Navy.
The announcement marks a proud milestone not only for the Navy’s aviation arm but also for women officers across the tri-services, affirming their growing presence in critical operational and leadership roles. With this accomplishment, Lt Cdr Divya Sharma now holds the prestigious role of training and mentoring the next generation of Naval aviators, a responsibility reserved for the finest and most experienced pilots.
Lt Cdr Divya Sharma, hailing from Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, was among the first three women to be operationalized as Dornier pilots by the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. As a member of the 27th Dornier Operational Flying Training (DOFT) Course, she was awarded ‘First in Flying’, demonstrating exceptional skill and commitment early in her career.
She previously served as part of a historic all-women maritime surveillance mission undertaken by INAS 318 on International Women’s Day 2024, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the squadron. That mission, executed entirely by women officers—including in meteorology, air traffic control, and medical support—showcased the Indian Navy’s evolving efforts to promote gender neutrality and operational empowerment.
INAS 318, based at INS Utkrosh in Port Blair under the Andaman & Nicobar Command, operates Dornier aircraft in long-range maritime surveillance roles. Lt Cdr Divya’s new qualification as a QFI strengthens not only the squadron’s capabilities but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring women in the armed forces.
With the skies as her canvas, Lt Cdr Divya Sharma continues to blaze a trail for generations to come—redefining limits, mentoring the future, and symbolizing the Indian Navy’s march towards a more inclusive and capable force.
