National Times Bureau, June 1, 2025: Air Marshal Manish Khanna has officially taken over as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Southern Air Command (SAC), Indian Air Force, headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram. The command handover took place on June 1, 2025, marking a significant leadership transition in one of India’s key air defence formations. He succeeds Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, who has now assumed the role of AOC-in-C of the Central Air Command.
Commissioned into the fighter stream on December 6, 1986, Air Marshal Khanna brings nearly four decades of experience to his new post. A Category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor, he has flown over 4,000 hours across various fighter and trainer aircraft. His academic credentials include training from the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, College of Air Warfare, and National Defence College—each underscoring his preparation for high-command responsibilities.
Over the years, Air Marshal Khanna has held a wide range of operational and instructional roles. He commanded a frontline fighter squadron and later led the Aircrew Examining Board. His leadership extended to managing a premier flying base and heading the College of Air Warfare as Commandant. His service also includes an international tenure as Chief Flying Instructor with the Botswana Defence Forces, reinforcing his cross-border military exposure and operational expertise.
His appointment comes amid growing strategic focus on India’s southern skies and maritime domain in the Indian Ocean Region. The Southern Air Command plays a vital role in this domain, particularly in enhancing surveillance, air defence, and coordination with the Navy. As regional tensions and maritime interests intensify, the new commander’s experience is expected to be instrumental in bolstering India’s air power readiness in the region.
