Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Shakti Sharma has created history by becoming the first woman officer from the Indian Armed Forces, in the non-medical stream, to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal or its equivalent. She has also taken charge as the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters.
This achievement marks a significant milestone in the growing representation of women in India’s defence forces. In comparison, women officers in the Army and Navy have so far reached the rank of Colonel and equivalent ranks.
Career and Key Achievements
AVM Shakti Sharma was commissioned into the Education Branch of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 18 June 1994. Over her career, she has served in a variety of assignments at:
- Training establishments
- Field stations
- Command headquarters
- Air Headquarters
She has also played an important role in strengthening academic and strategic cooperation between the IAF and educational institutions. Among her notable initiatives was the establishment of IAF Chairs of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and Pune University.
Another major milestone in her career came 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.
Other Recent Milestones for Women in IAF
AVM Shakti Sharma’s achievement comes amid several important breakthroughs by women officers in the Indian Air Force.
| Officer | Achievement |
| Group Captain Shaliza Dhami | In 2023, became the first woman IAF officer to command a missile squadron in the western sector and took charge of a frontline combat unit |
| Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth | Became the first woman pilot to clear the Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) course at the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment in Gwalior |
| Squadron Leader Saanya | Became the first woman officer in the IAF to earn the elite Category-A Qualified Flying Instructor (Cat-A QFI) qualification |