Captain Hansja Sharma of the Indian Army has once again brought pride to Jammu and Kashmir by being selected to lead the 251 Army Aviation Squadron during the upcoming Republic Day Parade, marking another historic milestone in her trailblazing career.
Hailing from Jammu, Captain Hansja Sharma is the Indian Army’s first woman pilot to fly the Rudra armed helicopter, a frontline combat platform of the Army Aviation Corps. She had earlier scripted history at the Combat Army Aviation Training School (CAATS), Nashik, by emerging First in Order of Merit and becoming the first woman officer to win the prestigious Silver Cheetah Trophy, awarded to the best combat aviator of the course.
Leading the Squadron on Kartavya Path
During Republic Day Parade rehearsals, Captain Sharma was seen confidently leading her squadron in a command vehicle mounted with the HELINA (Helicopter-Launched Nag) guided missile system, showcasing the formidable strike capability of the Army Aviation Corps. The HELINA missile, launched from the Rudra helicopter, is capable of precisely engaging and destroying enemy armour and hardened targets.
A video of Captain Hansja Sharma leading the squadron during rehearsals has gone viral, drawing widespread appreciation for her leadership, composure, and the symbolic significance of her role in one of India’s most prestigious national ceremonies.
Journey of Grit and Determination
Captain Hansja Sharma’s journey to this point has been marked by perseverance and resilience. A resident of Rehari Colony in Jammu, she overcame multiple challenges during her path to commissioning, including setbacks during medical examinations related to eyesight and weight. Through sustained effort and discipline, she addressed these hurdles and fulfilled her dream of serving as an Army officer. Her NCC training played a key role in shaping her military foundation and leadership skills.
Her mother, Rashmi Sharma, expressed immense pride in her daughter’s achievements, calling it a moment of honour for the family and the region to see Hansja leading a squadron at the Republic Day Parade. She described her daughter’s success as the result of years of hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering determination.
A Symbol of Naari Shakti in Combat Aviation
From winning the Silver Cheetah Trophy to flying the Rudra armed helicopter and now leading an Army Aviation Squadron at the Republic Day Parade, Captain Hansja Sharma has emerged as a powerful symbol of Naari Shakti and the Indian Army’s commitment to gender-neutral combat roles based on merit and capability.
Her achievements highlight the growing role of women in frontline combat aviation and serve as a source of inspiration for young aspirants across the country—especially women aiming to serve in demanding, high-skill military roles.
As Captain Hansja Sharma leads her squadron on Kartavya Path this Republic Day, she represents a new chapter in the Indian Army’s evolving ethos—confident, inclusive, and firmly focused on excellence in national service.
