Shakti Sharma makes history: First woman non-medical officer to become Air Vice Marshal

New Delhi: Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has become the first woman officer from the non-medical stream in India's armed forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal or equivalent, marking a historic milestone for the Indian Air Force (IAF), officials said on Tuesday.

Sharma assumed charge as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters on September 1. She was previously serving as an Air Commodore.

The Defence Ministry described her elevation as a landmark achievement in the history of women officers in India's armed forces.

Over three decades of service

Commissioned into the IAF's Education Branch on June 18, 1994, Sharma has held a range of assignments at training establishments, field stations, command headquarters and Air Headquarters during her career.

She has also led several institutional initiatives focused on strengthening academic and strategic defence collaborations.

Among them was the establishment of IAF Chairs of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and Pune University, aimed at promoting academic engagement and research in defence-related areas.
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First woman from Tri-Services to command a Sainik School

Sharma also became the first woman officer from the Tri-Services to command a Sainik School when she served as principal of Sainik School, Kapurthala.

The Defence Ministry said her career reflects more than three decades of distinguished service and described her latest appointment as a new chapter in the advancement of women officers in the defence forces.

Her achievement is expected to inspire more women to pursue leadership roles in the armed forces, the ministry said, reiterating the IAF's motto: “Touch the Sky with Glory.”