Shakti Sharma makes history, becomes first woman non-medical Air Vice Marshal

Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has previously achieved another distinction by becoming the first woman officer from the Tri-Services to command a Sainik School.Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma. (Photo: X/@IAF_MCC)Making a distinct mark in the history of Indian defence services, Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has become the first woman non-medical officer in the Indian Defence Services to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal or equivalent.She assumed charge as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters on Tuesday, September 1, marking a significant milestone in the progression of women officers in India’s armed forces.The Indian Air Force announced the development in a post on X, describing Sharma’s elevation as a landmark achievement and highlighting her more than three decades of distinguished service."A historic milestone for the Indian Air Force. On 01 Sep 2026, Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma became the first woman officer (non-medical) in the Indian Defence Services to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal (or equivalent). She assumed the appointment of Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education). A landmark achievement, marking a new chapter in the journey of women officers in the Indian Defence Forces," the Indian Air Force announced on X. A historic milestone for the Indian Air Force.On 01 Sep 2026, Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma became the first woman officer (non-medical) in the Indian Defence Services to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal (or equivalent). She assumed the appointment of Assistant Chief of pic.twitter.com/9IulN6QjOb— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 1, 2026 "Her over three decades of distinguished service continues to inspire generations to Touch the Sky with Glory," it added.SHAKTI SHARMA’S DECORATED CAREERShakti Sharma was commissioned into the IAF’s Education Branch on June 18, 1994. Since then, she has served in a range of assignments at training establishments, field stations, command headquarters and Air Headquarters, gaining extensive experience across different facets of the service. Her career has also included several initiatives aimed at strengthening academic and institutional cooperation.She played a key role in establishing IAF Chairs of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and Pune University, intended to promote collaboration in academics and strategic defence-related areas.Sharma has previously achieved another distinction by becoming the first woman officer from the Tri-Services to command a Sainik School. She served as the principal of Sainik School, Kapurthala, adding another notable chapter to her career.Her elevation comes against the backdrop of the expanding role and responsibilities of women officers across the Indian military.While women have progressively taken up a wider range of operational, command and senior leadership assignments, Sharma’s appointment to the Air Vice Marshal rank represents a first for a non-medical woman officer in the Indian Defence Services.With her new assignment at Air Headquarters, Sharma will oversee responsibilities related to education within the IAF.Her elevation is expected to serve as an important marker in the continuing integration and advancement of women in senior military leadership, while her career is likely to remain a reference point for future generations of women officers.- EndsPublished On: Sep 1, 2026 20:28 IST