On June 1 2025, Air Marshal Manish Khanna took over as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Southern Air Command (SAC) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) replacing Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, who currently serves as AOC-in-C of Central Air Command . His appointment comes at a time when India’s air defence strategy in the southern region and maritime domain awareness are more critical than ever, especially with rising tensions and evolving threats in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Early Life and Military Education
Air Marshal Khanna’s educational background is rooted in the Indian military’s finest institutions. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and has completed advanced military leadership courses at the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) and the College of Air Warfare. He also holds an elite ‘A’ Category Instructor rating, signifying excellence in training and instructional capability.
Service Record in the Indian Air Force
Commissioned into the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force on 6 December 1986, Air Marshal Khanna brings over 4,000 hours of accident-free flying experience on platforms like the MiG-21, MiG-25, Mirage-2000, F-5, Kiran, and HPT-32. His leadership and operational experience span some of the IAF’s most critical wings and appointments:
- Commanding Officer of No. 35 Squadron, known for electronic warfare and reconnaissance.
- Led the Aircrew Examination Board, introducing key reforms in pilot assessment.
- Senior roles at Air Headquarters in Intelligence, Personnel Planning, and Air Defence Ops.
- Commanded major airbases such as AFS Bidar and strategic locations under Western Air Command.
- Served as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Personnel Officers) and Commandant at the College of Air Warfare.
- Most recently, he served as Senior Air Staff Officer at South Western Air Command before assuming command of SAC.
Awards and Honours
Air Marshal Manish Khanna has been the recipient of some of the Indian Air Force’s highest honours in recognition of his exceptional service. In 2010, he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (VSM) for his unwavering devotion to duty and consistent operational excellence.
This was followed by the conferment of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2016, which acknowledged his distinguished service of an exceptional order. These prestigious military decorations reflect his deep commitment to India’s air defence preparedness and his significant contributions to strengthening the operational and strategic capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
Vision and Leadership
Air Marshal Khanna is known for his visionary leadership style, marked by innovation, professionalism, and integrated defence thinking. As the current chief of Southern Air Command, his top priorities include:
- Modernizing coastal and maritime air defence systems.
- Expanding joint operations with the Indian Navy and Indian Army.
- Integrating drones and UAVs for enhanced surveillance and rapid response.
- Upgrading airbases in South India and island territories, especially for disaster relief and amphibious operations.
He has also pioneered efforts to digitize pilot training and aircrew assessments, introducing online modules and computerised testing systems.
Strategic Role of the Southern Air Command (SAC)
Established on 19 July 1984, the Southern Air Command (SAC) is headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Its Area of Responsibility (AOR) spans:
- Peninsular India and all its southern states.
- The Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands.
- Key airbases at Sulur, Thanjavur, and Tambaram.
The command is critical for:
- Securing the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Maritime reconnaissance and surveillance.
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR).
- Supporting India’s Indo-Pacific strategy and joint military exercises.
Beyond the Uniform: Mentor and Reformer
While Air Marshal Khanna keeps a low media profile, he is known within military circles for his dedication to:
- Mentoring young officers and pilots.
- Supporting digital transformation across IAF training frameworks.
- Contributing to veteran welfare and institutional reforms.
His efforts continue to inspire a new generation of air warriors and strengthen the IAF’s core values of integrity, excellence, and service before self.
Conclusion
As the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Air Command, Air Marshal Manish Khanna plays a key role in securing India’s southern airspace and maritime frontiers. With over three decades of operational excellence, strategic foresight, and commitment to technological innovation, he is shaping the future of India’s aerial defence in the Indo-Pacific era.
Under his command, SAC remains not just a regional force, but a strategic pillar in India’s national security architecture.
