AVM Shakti Sharma Becomes First Non-Medical Woman Two-Star Officer in Indian Defence Services

Historic Achievement in Indian Defence Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has achieved a significant milestone for women officers in India's armed forces by becoming the first non-medical woman officer in the Indian Defence Forces to reach a two-star rank . The rank of Air Vice Marshal (AVM) is a two-star officer rank in the Indian Air Force. Her promotion represents an important milestone in the expanding leadership role of women in India's defence services.  New Role at Air Headquarters Shakti Sharma assumed the appointment of Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters. In this position, her extensive experience in education, training and institutional development within the Indian Air Force will contribute to the service's educational and professional development activities. More Than Three Decades of Service Shakti Sharma was commissioned into the Education Branch of the Indian Air Force in 1994 . During more than three decades of service, she has held appointments across: Training establishments Field stations Command Headquarters Air Headquarters Her career therefore spans operational environments as well as training, education and higher-level administrative responsibilities.  Contribution to Defence Education One of her notable contributions has been strengthening collaboration between the Indian Air Force and leading academic institutions. She played an important role in establishing IAF Chairs of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and Pune University , aimed at promoting academic and strategic defence collaboration. This reflects the growing importance of research, specialised education and cooperation between defence institutions and universities.  Earlier Historic Milestone Shakti Sharma had already created history earlier in her career. She became the first woman officer from the Tri-Services to command a Sainik School , serving as Principal of Sainik School, Kapurthala . Her latest elevation to Air Vice Marshal therefore adds another major first to her career.  Significance Her achievement demonstrates the increasing presence of women officers in senior leadership positions within India's defence establishment. It is particularly significant because her career is in a non-medical branch . Women officers have historically held senior ranks in the Armed Forces Medical Services, while reaching equivalent senior ranks in other branches has developed more gradually. Her elevation therefore represents an important milestone in the evolution of women's leadership within the Indian Armed Forces.