Three decades after joining the Air Force, Sharma takes a landmark step for women officers in India’s armed forces
Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has scripted history by becoming the first woman officer from the non-medical branch of the Indian Armed Forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal or its equivalent.
Sharma, who joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) Education Branch in 1994, has completed more than three decades of service across training establishments, field stations, command headquarters and Air Headquarters. Her elevation marks a significant milestone in the growing presence of women in senior positions within the armed forces.
Before becoming an Air Vice Marshal, Sharma achieved another distinction as the IAF’s first woman Group Captain outside the medical branch. She also served as the first woman officer from the Tri-Services to command a Sainik School, heading Sainik School, Kapurthala.
Her career has also included efforts to strengthen academic and institutional collaboration. She played a key role in establishing IAF Chairs of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and Pune University.
Sharma has now assumed the appointment of Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education), bringing extensive experience in education, training and institutional development to the position.
The Ministry of Defence described her elevation as a landmark moment for women officers and said her more than three decades of distinguished service would continue to inspire future generations.
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