India’s First Woman Rudra Pilot: When a Girl from Jammu Took Charge of the Skies

A few days ago, my 12-year-old cousin came to visit me during her school vacation. One evening, we sat quietly on the terrace, watching the sky change colours as the sun dipped below the horizon. I casually asked her a simple question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” She did not answer immediately. She looked up at the open sky, her eyes fixed on something invisible yet powerful, and said, “I want to fly… and look over my country and protect it.” That moment stayed with me. I knew I had to tell her about a real-life hero who had turned this very dream into reality. That hero is Captain Hansja Sharma.A New Chapter in India’s Military HistoryIndia witnessed history being written in the skies. Captain Hansja Sharma, a Jammu-born officer of the Indian Army, became the first woman to qualify as a pilot of the Rudra armed helicopter. At just 27 years old, she has entered a domain that has long been considered one of the toughest and most male-dominated roles in military aviation. The Rudra helicopter is not just any aircraft. It is a weaponised version of the Advanced Light Helicopter, designed for attack, reconnaissance, and high-risk combat missions. Flying Rudra demands exceptional skill, precision, mental strength, and physical endurance. Captain Hansja’s achievement is not only personal success but also a landmark moment for women in India’s Armed Forces.Roots in Jammu, Wings in the SkyBorn on March 9, 1998, in Jammu, Hansja Sharma grew up in an environment that valued discipline, learning, and courage. She completed her schooling at St. Xavier’s Convent School in Barnai and went on to graduate from Parade College in Jammu. Later, she pursued higher studies in the Zoology Department at the University of Jammu before life took a decisive turn towards the Army. Her mother, Rashmi Sharma, a senior journalist, played a crucial role in shaping her worldview. As a single mother, Rashmi faced her own battles, sacrificing personal comfort to ensure her children had opportunities. She often recalls how Hansja lived with self-discipline even at home, maintaining strict fitness routines and giving up her favourite foods like chaat papdi after joining the Army.“Be Brutal to Yourself”: A Philosophy of DisciplineOne line written on the wall of Hansja’s room after her schooling years became the foundation of her life: “Be brutal to yourself.” It was not about harshness but about uncompromising self-discipline. Without formal coaching, she prepared herself mentally and physically for the Army. Her journey, however, was not smooth. She faced a temporary rejection during her selection process. For many, that would have been the end of the dream. For Hansja, it became a test of resolve. Within just 15 days, she underwent a three-hour-long nose surgery, recovered, and returned stronger to secure her place in the Indian Army. Her mother calls it a journey of rejection followed by faith and success.Excellence at CAATS and a Historic FirstCaptain Hansja Sharma’s true mettle shone at the Combat Army Aviation Training School (CAATS) in Nashik. She topped her course and was awarded the prestigious Silver Cheetah Trophy as the best combat aviator, the first woman in history to achieve this honour. Today, she serves with the 251 Army Aviation Squadron and showcased her exceptional skills during the Army Day Parade in Rajasthan on January 15, 2026. Flying the Rudra and demonstrating the HELINA missile system before the nation’s leadership, including Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, she displayed the focus of Arjuna aiming for the fish’s eye.A Mother’s Pride, A Nation’s EmotionBehind every trailblazer is a story of quiet sacrifice. Rashmi Sharma speaks of selling everything she had at one point to support her children, believing that it was simply what parents do. Today, she is overwhelmed by the respect and love she receives because of her daughter’s achievement. She recalls her daughter’s powerful words, spoken like poetry, about breaking cages, flying free, and proving that women are no less than anyone else. From surprising moments like seeing Hansja’s photograph with Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh to watching her daughter command the skies, Rashmi calls herself the luckiest mother in the world.More Than a Pilot, A SymbolCaptain Hansja Sharma’s success is more than a personal milestone. It represents the changing face of India’s defence forces, where women are increasingly taking up combat and leadership roles. For Jammu and Kashmir, her achievement adds another proud chapter to its history. For young girls across the country, she is living proof that dreams are valid, no matter how high they fly. As congratulatory messages pour in from all corners, her journey continues to inspire students, aspirants, and especially young girls who dare to imagine themselves in uniform.The Sky Is No Longer the LimitWhen I told my cousin about Captain Hansja Sharma, her eyes widened with wonder. “She really flies to protect the country?” she asked. I nodded. She smiled and looked back at the sky. Captain Hansja Sharma has shown us that courage, discipline, and belief can turn dreams into duty. The sky is no longer a boundary. It is a responsibility, and she carries it with honour.