Becomes First Woman Officer to Attain Air Vice Marshal Rank; Takes Charge as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Education)

New Delhi, September 1, 2026: In a historic milestone for women in the Indian Defence Forces, Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has become the first woman officer from the non-medical stream in the Indian Defence Forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal, or equivalent.

AVM Shakti Sharma assumed the appointment of Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters on September 1, marking a significant moment in the continuing evolution of women’s leadership in India’s Armed Forces.

Over Three Decades of Distinguished Service

Commissioned into the Education Branch of the Indian Air Force on June 18, 1994, AVM Shakti Sharma brings more than three decades of professional experience to her new appointment.

During her career, she has served across a wide range of assignments, including training establishments, field stations, command headquarters and Air Headquarters.

Her extensive experience across operational, training and institutional environments has contributed to her progression to one of the senior-most ranks in the Air Force.

Strengthening Defence-Academia Collaboration

Throughout her service, AVM Shakti Sharma has also played a role in strengthening the relationship between the Armed Forces and academic institutions.

She spearheaded initiatives that included the establishment of IAF Chairs of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and Pune University, aimed at promoting academic engagement and strategic defence collaboration.

The initiatives were designed to encourage greater interaction between India’s defence establishment and academic and research communities.

First Woman from Tri-Services to Command a Sainik School

AVM Shakti Sharma has several firsts to her credit.

She became the first woman officer from the Tri-Services to command a Sainik School, serving as the Principal of Sainik School Kapurthala.

Her tenure reflected the expanding role of women officers in leadership, training and institutional responsibilities traditionally associated with senior military command and administration.

A Landmark for Women in the Armed Forces

Her elevation to the rank of Air Vice Marshal marks another significant step in the growing representation of women in senior leadership positions across India’s Defence Forces.

The milestone comes as the Armed Forces continue to expand opportunities for women across various branches, roles and leadership appointments.

AVM Shakti Sharma’s career also highlights the increasingly diverse responsibilities being undertaken by women officers beyond the medical stream.

‘Touch the Sky with Glory’

With more than 30 years of distinguished service, AVM Shakti Sharma now takes on her new responsibility at Air Headquarters at a time when education, professional military training and technological advancement are increasingly important to developing future-ready defence capabilities.

Her achievement is being seen as an inspiration for a new generation of women aspiring to serve in the Armed Forces and take up senior leadership responsibilities.

From being commissioned into the IAF Education Branch in 1994 to becoming the first non-medical woman officer to reach the rank of Air Vice Marshal, AVM Shakti Sharma’s journey represents a historic chapter in India’s military history.

Her achievement adds a powerful new dimension to the IAF’s motto: “Touch the Sky with Glory.” 🇮🇳✈️