On June 1, 2025, Air Marshal Manish Khanna assumed the position of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Southern Air Command (SAC) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), succeeding Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, who has transitioned to the Central Air Command. This leadership change comes at a critical juncture, as India’s air defence strategy in the southern region and maritime domain awareness gain increasing importance amid heightened tensions in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
### Early Life and Military Education
Air Marshal Khanna’s military credentials are exemplary, reflecting a career shaped by rigorous training at premier Indian military institutions. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), he further honed his leadership skills through advanced military leadership courses at the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) and the College of Air Warfare. Notably, he holds the prestigious ‘A’ Category Instructor rating, indicating a track record of excellence in training and instructional roles.
### Service Record in the Indian Air Force
Commissioned into the IAF Flying Branch on December 6, 1986, Air Marshal Khanna has amassed over 4,000 hours of accident-free flying experience on a range of aircraft, including the MiG-21, MiG-25, Mirage-2000, F-5, Kiran, and HPT-32. His distinguished service record includes several key positions:
– He served as the Commanding Officer of No. 35 Squadron, specializing in electronic warfare and reconnaissance.
– He led the Aircrew Examination Board, where he implemented significant reforms in pilot assessment.
– He held senior roles at Air Headquarters, contributing to areas such as Intelligence, Personnel Planning, and Air Defence Operations.
– He commanded major airbases like AFS Bidar and other strategic locations within the Western Air Command.
– In his previous role as the Senior Air Staff Officer at South Western Air Command, he laid the groundwork for his current command of the SAC.
### Awards and Honours
Air Marshal Khanna’s exemplary service has not gone unnoticed. He received the Vayu Sena Medal (VSM) in 2010 for his unwavering commitment to duty and operational excellence. In 2016, he was conferred the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), recognizing his distinguished services of exceptional order. These accolades underscore his dedication to enhancing India’s air defence capabilities.
### Vision and Leadership
Renowned for his visionary and pragmatic leadership style, Air Marshal Khanna prioritizes several strategic objectives as he leads the Southern Air Command:
– The modernization of coastal and maritime air defence systems.
– The expansion of joint operations with the Indian Navy and Army.
– The integration of drones and UAVs to enhance surveillance and rapid response capabilities.
– The upgrading of airbases in South India and island territories to facilitate disaster relief and amphibious operations.
An advocate for technological advancement, he has also initiated efforts to digitize pilot training and aircrew assessments through online modules and computerised testing systems.
### Strategic Role of the Southern Air Command (SAC)
Established on July 19, 1984, the SAC, headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is responsible for significant areas of operation, including:
– Peninsular India and its southern states.
– The Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands.
– Key airbases at Sulur, Thanjavur, and Tambaram.
The command plays a pivotal role in securing the Indian Ocean Region, conducting maritime reconnaissance and surveillance, providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and supporting India’s Indo-Pacific strategy along with joint military exercises.
### Beyond the Uniform: Mentor and Reformer
While maintaining a low profile in the media, Air Marshal Khanna is held in high regard within military circles for his dedication to mentoring young officers and pilots, championing digital transformation across IAF training frameworks, and advocating for veteran welfare and institutional reforms. His dedication continues to inspire the next generation of air warriors and reinforces the core values of the IAF: integrity, excellence, and a commitment to service before self.
### Conclusion
As the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Air Command, Air Marshal Manish Khanna bears a crucial responsibility in safeguarding India’s southern airspace and maritime frontiers. With over three decades of operational excellence and strategic vision, he plays a significant role in shaping the future of India’s aerial defence within the Indo-Pacific context. Under his leadership, SAC serves not just as a regional force but as a crucial pillar in India’s overarching national security framework.
