📷 Image: Indian Express (via NewsData)
Defence
Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma Becomes IAF’s Highest‑Ranking Female Officer
✍️ Indian Express
🗓 02 Sep 2026, 09:42 AM
👁 96
The Indian Air Force has promoted Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma, marking her as the service’s highest‑ranking woman officer.
The Indian Air Force announced the promotion of Shakti Sharma to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, making her the highest‑ranking female officer in its history. The elevation places her above all other women serving in the force, a milestone for gender representation in India’s defence establishment.
Sharma’s career has spanned several operational and staff appointments, reflecting the growing role of women in combat and support functions within the IAF. Her new rank underscores the service’s commitment to merit‑based advancement and signals broader opportunities for female personnel.
The promotion has been welcomed by defence analysts and gender‑rights groups, who view it as a step toward greater inclusivity in the armed forces. It also aligns with the IAF’s ongoing efforts to modernise its workforce and promote diversity at senior levels.
Sharma’s career has spanned several operational and staff appointments, reflecting the growing role of women in combat and support functions within the IAF. Her new rank underscores the service’s commitment to merit‑based advancement and signals broader opportunities for female personnel.
The promotion has been welcomed by defence analysts and gender‑rights groups, who view it as a step toward greater inclusivity in the armed forces. It also aligns with the IAF’s ongoing efforts to modernise its workforce and promote diversity at senior levels.