IAF’s Historic First: Meet Shakti Sharma, the First Non-Medical Woman Officer to Attain the Rank of Air Vice Marshal

Commissioned into the Indian Air Force on June 18, 1994, AVM Shakti Sharma has more than three decades of distinguished service. A major part of her career has been spent in the Education Branch of the Indian Air Force. One of AVM Sharma’s significant contributions to the Indian Air Force has been her role in establishing the IAF Chairs of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and Pune University, promoting academic engagement and strategic collaboration in the field of defence. She was also the first woman officer from the Tri-Services to command a Sainik School. She served as the Principal of Sainik School, Kapurthala, marking another significant milestone in her trailblazing career.

A few days earlier, Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth had also marked a milestone in the IAF’s history by becoming the first woman officer to qualify as a Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) at the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) in Gwalior. Such achievements underscore the growing role of women in the IAF’s top leadership positions.

Shakti Sharma’s journey stands as another significant milestone in the evolving role of women in India’s Armed Forces. Her achievement not only marks a historic first but also reflects the expanding opportunities for women to take on leadership positions across the defence services.

Also read: Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth Becomes IAF's First Woman Fighter Combat Leader