Air Vice Marshal (AVM) 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, or an equivalent two-star rank. AVM Sharma assumed charge as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters on September 1, marking a landmark moment in the growing role of women in senior leadership positions within India’s armed forces.
Commissioned into the Education Branch of the Indian Air Force on June 18, 1994, AVM Sharma brings more than three decades of distinguished service. Her career has included postings across training establishments, field stations, command headquarters and Air Headquarters.
During her service, she has played a key role in strengthening academic and strategic defence collaboration, including establishing IAF Chairs of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and Pune University. AVM Sharma has also achieved another significant first: she 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 represents a major milestone in the journey of women officers in the Indian Defence Forces. It reflects the expanding opportunities for women to take on senior leadership responsibilities beyond the medical services.
With over 30 years of service, AVM Shakti Sharma’s achievement stands as an inspiring example for women aspiring to leadership roles in India’s armed forces—further strengthening the nation’s commitment to creating greater opportunities for women in defence.