Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma scripts history with AVM-rank appointment
The Defence Ministry called her promotion a landmark for women officers after more than three decades of service and key academic-defence initiatives.
- On Tuesday, Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma became the first woman officer from the non-medical stream in the Indian Armed Forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal, assuming charge at Air Headquarters in New Delhi on September 1, 2026.
- Commissioned into the Education Branch of the Indian Air Force on June 18, 1994, AVM Sharma brings over three decades of distinguished service spanning diverse postings across training establishments, field stations, and command headquarters.
- Throughout her career, AVM Sharma made history as the first woman officer to command a Sainik School, serving as Principal of Sainik School, Kapurthala, while establishing IAF Chairs of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and Pune University.
- The Defence Ministry described her promotion as a landmark achievement, marking a new chapter for women officers in the Indian Defence Forces and inspiring generations to 'Touch the Sky with Glory,' the IAF motto.
- As Assistant Chief of the Air Staff at Air Headquarters, AVM Sharma will leverage her extensive experience from diverse postings to manage vital educational initiatives shaping the Indian Air Force's strategic priorities.
32 Articles
32 Articles
Historic milestone for Indian Air Force- Amazing feat by Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma; 1st woman to achieve this
Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma is the first woman to become non-medical Air Vice Marshal in Indian Air Force, marking the beginning of a new era. Previously, she was the first woman officer from the Tri-Services to command a Sainik School.
Historic Milestone: AVM Shakti Sharma scripts history as first non-medical woman 2-star officer in Indian Armed Forces
NEW DELHI: In a historic milestone for the Indian Air Force Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma became the first woman officer (non-medical) in the Indian Defence Forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal (or equivalent). On September 1, 2026, she assumed the appointment of Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters. Commissioned into the Education Branch of the IAF on June 18, 1994, AVM Shakti Sharma brings a wealth of expe…
Shakti Sharma makes history as first woman non-medical Air Vice Marshal
Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first woman officer (non-medical) in the Indian Defence Forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal. She has been appointed Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters, bringing over three decades of diverse experience, including establishing IAF Chairs of Excellence and commanding a Sainik School.
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