Making a definite mark within the historical past of Indian defence companies, Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has change into the primary lady non-medical officer within the Indian Defence Companies to achieve the rank of Air Vice Marshal or equal.
She assumed cost as Assistant Chief of the Air Workers (Schooling) at Air Headquarters on Tuesday, September 1, marking a big milestone within the development of girls officers in India’s armed forces.
The Indian Air Drive introduced the event in a submit on X, describing Sharma’s elevation as a landmark achievement and highlighting her greater than three a long time of distinguished service.
“A historic milestone for the Indian Air Drive. On 01 Sep 2026, Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma grew to become the primary lady officer (non-medical) within the Indian Defence Companies to achieve the rank of Air Vice Marshal (or equal). She assumed the appointment of Assistant Chief of the Air Workers (Schooling). A landmark achievement, marking a brand new chapter within the journey of girls officers within the Indian Defence Forces,” the Indian Air Drive introduced on X.
“Her over three a long time of distinguished service continues to encourage generations to Contact the Sky with Glory,” it added.
SHAKTI SHARMA’S DECORATED CAREER
Shakti Sharma was commissioned into the IAF’s Schooling Department on June 18, 1994. Since then, she has served in a spread of assignments at coaching institutions, subject stations, command headquarters and Air Headquarters, gaining in depth expertise throughout completely different sides of the service.
Her profession has additionally included a number of initiatives geared toward strengthening tutorial and institutional cooperation.
She performed a key position in establishing IAF Chairs of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and Pune College, supposed to advertise collaboration in teachers and strategic defence-related areas.
Sharma has beforehand achieved one other distinction by changing into the primary lady officer from the Tri-Companies to command a Sainik Faculty. She served because the principal of Sainik Faculty, Kapurthala, including one other notable chapter to her profession.
Her elevation comes in opposition to the backdrop of the increasing position and tasks of girls officers throughout the Indian army.
Whereas ladies have progressively taken up a wider vary of operational, command and senior management assignments, Sharma’s appointment to the Air Vice Marshal rank represents a primary for a non-medical lady officer within the Indian Defence Companies.
Together with her new task at Air Headquarters, Sharma will oversee tasks associated to schooling throughout the IAF.
Her elevation is anticipated to function an vital marker within the persevering with integration and development of girls in senior army management, whereas her profession is more likely to stay a reference level for future generations of girls officers.
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