In a historical moment for the country, the first woman officer from the non-medical branch of the Indian Defence Forces has secured the rank of Air Vice Marshal (or equivalent). Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma from the Indian Air Force (IAF) was appointed the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) on 1 September 2026, assuming her new charge at the Air Headquarters.
AVM Shakti Sharma has had an illustrious career in the service of the country since she was commissioned into the Education Branch of the IAF in 1994. In these three decades, she has been a key figure behind several initiatives and the resulting achievements. The IAF Chairs of Excellence at IlT Kanpur and Pune University were established under her guidance, bringing together academia and defence for an insightful cooperative partnership. She has another historic distinction to her name – helming Sainik School, Kapurthala, as the Principal, she was the first woman officer from the Tri-Services to command a Sainik School. Additionally, her experience in Training Establishments, Field Stations, Command Headquarters, and Air Headquarters makes her a distinguished officer.
AVM Shakti Sharma’s career and this landmark achievement are being hailed as an inspiration for women officers in the Indian Defence Forces. Her appointment also empowers the young girls aiming to serve the country by joining the defence forces in future. The Indian Air Force wrote on X, “Her over three decades of distinguished service continues to inspire generations to Touch the Sky with Glory.”
