Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma scripts history with AVM-rank appointment

In a historic milestone for the Indian Air Pressure, Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has grow to be the primary girl officer (non-medical) within the nation’s armed forces to realize the rank of Air Vice Marshal or equal, officers mentioned on Tuesday (September 1, 2026).

She assumed the appointment of assistant Chief of the Air Workers (training) on the air headquarters on September 1, they mentioned.

The air officer beforehand held the rank of air commodore, an IAF official mentioned.

“In a historic milestone for the Indian Air Pressure, Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma turned the primary girl officer (non-medical) within the Indian Defence Forces to realize the rank of Air Vice Marshal (or equal),” the Defence Ministry mentioned.

Commissioned into the Schooling Department of the IAF on June 18, 1994, AVM Sharma brings a wealth of expertise to her new position, spanning various postings throughout coaching institutions, subject stations, command headquarters and the Air Headquarters, it mentioned.

“All through her profession, she has spearheaded key institutional initiatives, together with establishing the IAF Chairs of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and Pune College to drive educational and strategic defence collaboration. She additionally created historical past as the primary girl officer from the Tri-Companies to command a Sainik College, serving as principal of Sainik College, Kapurthala,” the Ministry mentioned in an announcement.

This landmark achievement marks a brand new chapter within the journey of girls officers within the Indian defence forces. With over three a long time of distinguished service, she continues to encourage generations to ‘Contact the Sky with Glory’ — the motto of the IAF, it mentioned.