Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has created a new record in the Indian Air Force. On September 1, 2026, she became the first woman officer in India’s defence services from a non-medical branch to reach the rank of Air Vice Marshal or an equivalent two-star rank.
She has now taken charge as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters. Before her promotion, she was serving as an Air Commodore. The Defence Ministry called her achievement a historic milestone for women officers in the armed forces.
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Who Is Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma?
Shakti Sharma joined the IAF’s Education Branch on June 18, 1994. She has now completed more than three decades of service and has worked in several parts of the Air Force.
Her postings have included training establishments, field stations, command headquarters and Air Headquarters. During her career, she also worked to bring the armed forces and academic institutions closer together.
She played an important role in setting up IAF Chairs of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and Pune University. These initiatives were meant to support academic work and stronger links in strategic defence studies.
Sharma also made history earlier when she became the first woman officer from the Tri-Services to command a Sainik School. She served as the principal of Sainik School, Kapurthala.
New Role at Air Headquarters
After reaching the rank of Air Vice Marshal, Sharma took charge of her new post at Air Headquarters on September 1.
The Defence Ministry said her long career has given her experience across different kinds of military assignments. Her new role in the Education Branch will also keep her connected with training, learning and professional development in the Air Force.
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“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),” the defence ministry said.
The Indian Air Force also marked the occasion on September 1, saying that her achievement opened a new chapter for women officers in the defence services.
A New Milestone For Women In Defence
Sharma’s promotion is a major step in the growing presence of women in senior positions across India’s armed forces. Her career has included leadership, education and institutional work over more than 30 years.
The IAF said she continues to inspire future generations to ‘Touch the Sky with Glory’, which is the force’s motto.
