Bhubaneswar: Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has made history as the first woman officer (non-medical) in the Indian defence forces to achieve the rank of Air Vice Marshal (or its equivalent).
The landmark feat marks a new chapter in the journey of women officers in the armed forces. So far in the Army and Navy, women officers have reached up to the rank of Colonel and its equivalent.
On Wednesday, AVM Sharma assumed charge as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement. Commissioned into the Education Branch of the Indian Air Force on June 18, 1994, the senior officer has over three decades of distinguished service across various training establishments, field stations, command headquarters and Air Headquarters.
Leader of Opposition in Odisha and BJD Supremo Naveen Patnaik hailed her achievement.
“Congratulate Air Vice Marshal #ShaktiSharma on becoming the first woman officer from the non-medical branch of the Indian Armed Forces to reach the rank of Air Vice Marshal. Her elevation will inspire many more women to break barriers and emerge as trailblazers. May she soar higher in her career and inspire others. Best wishes,” Patnaik wrote on X.
