AVM Shakti Sharma Makes History
First non-medical woman officer in Indian defence services to attain two-star rank
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 1st Sept: Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has scripted history by becoming the first woman officer from the non-medical stream in the Indian Defence Forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal, marking a significant milestone in the journey of women in the armed forces.
On September 1, 2026, AVM Shakti Sharma assumed the appointment of Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters.
AVM Sharma was commissioned into the Education Branch of the Indian Air Force on June 18, 1994. During her career spanning more than three decades, she has served in Training Establishments, Field Stations, Command Headquarters and Air Headquarters.
Leadership and institutional contributions
Throughout her service, AVM Shakti Sharma has led several institutional initiatives. She played a key role in establishing IAF Chairs of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and Pune University, aimed at promoting academic engagement and strategic defence collaboration.
She also became the first woman officer from the Tri-Services to command a Sainik School, serving as Principal of Sainik School, Kapurthala.
Her elevation to the two-star rank marks a new chapter in the representation and leadership of women officers in India’s Defence Forces.
With more than 30 years of distinguished service, AVM Shakti Sharma continues to serve as an inspiration for future generations of women in the armed forces, in keeping with the IAF motto, “Touch the Sky with Glory.”
