Why in News?
Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has become the first woman officer from the non-medical stream in the Indian defence forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal, marking a significant milestone for women in the armed forces. She has assumed charge as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters.
Key Highlights
- Commissioned: 18 June 1994, into the Education Branch of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
- New Appointment: Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education).
- She has served across training establishments, field stations, command headquarters and Air Headquarters.
- She played a key role in establishing IAF Chairs of Excellence at IIT Kanpur and Pune University for academic and strategic defence collaboration.
- She was also the first woman officer from the tri-services to command a Sainik School, serving as Principal of Sainik School, Kapurthala.
- Her elevation comes after more than three decades of distinguished service.