A historic milestone for the Indian Air Force – an amazing feat by Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma; 1st woman to achieve | Today’s news
Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has made history! She became the first woman non-medical officer in the Indian Defense Services to attain the prestigious rank of Air Vice Marshal or equivalent. On Tuesday, she took charge as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Force Headquarters.
First woman to become a non-medical Air Vice Marshal in the IAF
The Indian Air Force announced the development through a post on X.
“A historic milestone for the Indian Air Force. On September 1, 2026, Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma became the first female officer (non-medical) in the Indian Defense Services to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal (or equivalent). She assumed the appointment of Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Education). A landmark achievement,” marking a new chapter in the journey of Indian officers.
“This landmark achievement marks a new chapter in the journey of women officers in the Indian Defense Forces. With over three decades of distinguished service, she continues to inspire generations to ‘Touch the Sky with Glory,'” the ministry added.
Who is Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma
Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma’s career has included several initiatives that strengthen academic and institutional collaboration while promoting greater participation of women in the armed forces.
Career of Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma
Sharma was instrumental in establishing IAF Chairs of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and Pune University. It was aimed at promoting greater collaboration between academic institutions and the armed forces in the academic and strategic areas of defence. Sharma’s work in this area has reportedly focused on building a stronger bridge between military institutions and academia.
However, this is not her first success. Sharma had earlier achieved another milestone by becoming the first woman from the Tri-Services to command the Sainik School. She served as Principal of Sainik School, Kapurthala.
Her milestones come against the backdrop of the expanding role and responsibilities of women officers in the Indian Army.
While women have gradually assumed a wider range of operational, command and senior leadership roles, Sharma’s appointment to the rank of Air Vice Marshal marks a first for a non-medical officer in the Indian Defense Services. With his new assignment at the Air Command, Sharma will oversee education-related responsibilities within the Indian Air Force.
Why is this performance important?
Her promotion to the rank of Air Vice Marshal marks the beginning of a new phase for women in the armed forces, who have been unable to reach higher ranks since their inception in the 1990s.
Sharma’s promotion to AVM marks a new phase for women in the armed forces, who have not reached higher ranks since joining in the 1990s.
