AVM Shakti Sharma Scripts History As First Woman Two-Star Officer In Defence Services

Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma made history on September 1 as the first woman non-medical officer in India’s Defence Forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal or equivalent. Commissioned into the IAF’s Education Branch in 1994, she has over three decades of service and has held key roles, including commanding a Sainik School.

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AVM Shakti Sharma Scripts History As First Woman Two-Star Officer In Defence Services
ANI Updated: Tuesday, September 01, 2026, 09:25 PM IST
AVM Shakti Sharma Scripts History As First Woman Two-Star Officer In Defence Services

AVM Shakti Sharma Scripts History As First Woman Two-Star Officer In Defence Services | X @IAF_MCC

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, she assumed the appointment of Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters.

About Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma

According to a press release, commissioned into the Education Branch of the IAF on 18 June 1994, AVM Shakti Sharma brings a wealth of experience to her new role, spanning diverse postings across Training Establishments, Field Stations, Command Headquarters, and Air Headquarters.

This landmark achievement marks a new chapter in the journey of women officers in the Indian Defence Forces. With over three decades of distinguished service, she continues to inspire generations to "Touch the Sky with Glory".

The Indian Air Force shared the landmark achievement in an official post 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 the Air Staff (Education). A landmark achievement, marking a new chapter in the journey of women officers in the Indian Defence Forces. Her over three decades of distinguished service continue to inspire generations to Touch the Sky with Glory."

Throughout her career, she has spearheaded key institutional initiatives, including establishing the IAF Chairs of Excellence at IlT Kanpur and Pune University to drive academic and strategic defence collaboration. She also created history as the first woman officer from the Tri-Services to command a Sainik School, serving as Principal of Sainik School, Kapurthala, the press release said.

(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

Published on: Tuesday, September 01, 2026, 09:25 PM IST

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