Shakti Sharma has made history by becoming the first non-medical woman officer in the Indian Defence Forces to reach the rank of Air Vice Marshal, marking a major milestone for women in India’s military.
Her promotion comes as she takes on the role of Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters which was effective from 1st September.
Shakti started her journey with the Indian Air Force (IAF) when she was commissioned into it’s Education Branch on 18th June 1994. Over more than three decades of service, she has worked across training establishment, field stations, command headquarters and Air Headquarters.
Her latest achievement is not the first time Shakti has broken barriers during her career. She was previously the first woman Group Captain in the IAF outside the medical branch. She also became the first woman officer from the Tri-Services to command a Sainik School, serving as the principal of Sainik School, Kapurthala.
A Career Built Over Three Decades
More than her military responsibilities, Shakti has played an important role in strengthening ties between the IAF and educational institutions. She was involved in establishing the IAF Chairs of Excellence at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, and Pune University, helping to build stronger academic and defence-related cooperation.
The Ministry of Defence described Shakti’s promotion as a historic milestone for the Indian Air Force, and a new chapter for women officer in the country’s defence forces.
Her rise to one of the senior ranks also shows her growing presence of women in leadership roles across the Indian Armed Forces.
After more than 30 years of service, Shakti’s journey from joining the IAF’s Education Branch in 1994 to becoming an Air Vice Marshal marks a important moment for women who hope to build career and take on senior leadership positions in the military.
Sources: Hindustan Times, Indian News Network
