Shakti Sharma becomes first woman non-medical Air Vice Marshal

• In a historic milestone for the Indian Air Force, Shakti Sharma has become the first woman officer (non-medical) in the country’s armed forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal or equivalent.

• She assumed the charge of Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters on September 1.

• The air officer previously held the rank of Air Commodore.

• Commissioned into the Education Branch of the IAF on June 18, 1994, AVM Sharma brings a wealth of experience to her new role, spanning diverse postings across training establishments, field stations, command headquarters and the Air Headquarters.

• Throughout her career, she has spearheaded key institutional initiatives, including establishing the IAF Chairs of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and Pune University to drive academic and strategic defence collaboration. 

• She also created history as the first woman officer from the Tri-Services to command a Sainik School, serving as principal of Sainik School, Kapurthala.

• This landmark achievement marks a new chapter in the journey of women officers in the Indian defence forces.