Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma makes history with the appointment of AVM

Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma, left, assumes appointment as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Education), becoming the first woman from the non-medical branch of the Indian Armed Forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal or equivalent. | Photo credit: X/@IAF_MCC via PTI

In a historic milestone for the Indian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has become the first female officer (non-medical) in the country’s armed forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal or equivalent, officials said on Tuesday (1 Sep 2026).

She assumed appointment as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Education) at Air Command on September 1, they said.

The air officer previously held the rank of air commodore, an IAF official said.

“In a historic milestone for the Indian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has become the first female officer (non-medical) in the Indian Defense Forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal (or equivalent),” the Ministry of Defense said.

AVM Sharma, who was commissioned in the Training Branch of the IAF on 18 June 1994, brings to his new role a wealth of experience spanning various positions at training facilities, field stations, HQ and Air Headquarters.

“During her career, she has spearheaded key institutional initiatives including the establishment of IAF Chairs of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and the University of Pune to promote academic and strategic defense cooperation. She also created history as the first officer from the Tri-Services to command the Sainik School and served as Principal of the Sainik School, Kapurthala,” the ministry said in a statement.

This landmark achievement marks a new chapter in the journey of women officers in the Indian Defense Forces. With more than three decades of distinguished service, he continues to inspire generations to “Touch the Sky with Glory” – the motto of the IAF.

Published – 02 Sep 2026 11:55 IST