Air Marshal B Manikantan, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command, along with the President AFFWA (Regional), visited Air Force Station Gorakhpur from 26–27 November 2025. On arrival, he was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour, marking the commencement of a comprehensive two-day review of the station’s operational and administrative preparedness.
During his visit, the AOC-in-C reviewed the operational readiness of the base and undertook a sortie in a Jaguar aircraft, reaffirming the Indian Air Force’s commitment to maintaining high levels of combat preparedness and mission capability. He also inspected key operational and support infrastructure, assessing ongoing upgrades and initiatives aligned with the IAF’s modernisation and readiness objectives.
A major highlight of the visit was the inauguration of a One Megawatt Solar Power Plant, a significant step towards enhancing the station’s energy self-reliance and promoting sustainable green initiatives within the IAF.
Air Marshal Manikantan interacted with air warriors, appreciated their professionalism and dedication, and encouraged them to maintain unwavering operational readiness. He emphasised the importance of continual training, technological adaptation and mission-oriented focus to meet contemporary security challenges.
The visit reinforced Central Air Command’s commitment to operational excellence, infrastructure modernisation and environmental sustainability as integral components of the IAF’s evolving capability framework.
