Air Marshal B Manikantan, AOC-in-C of the Southern Air Command, conducted a thorough review of the operational preparedness at the Air Force Station Chimney Hills and the airfield in Ballari on the 27th and 28th of August 2024. His visit focused on overseeing the ongoing Air Defence infrastructure projects, which are pivotal for the induction of state-of-the-art network-centric warfare capabilities.
During his inspection, Air Marshal Manikantan evaluated the progress of critical infrastructure enhancements that are essential for supporting advanced operational requirements. His visit comes at a crucial time as the Indian Air Force continues to advance its technological and strategic capabilities in line with modern warfare demands.
Additionally, Air Marshal Manikantan complimented all personnel for their proactive participation in the successful conduct of the Multi National Exercise, Tarang Shakti 24. This exercise demonstrated the Indian Air Force’s commitment to strengthening international defense collaborations and showcased its capability to operate in coordinated multi-national scenarios.
The Air Marshal also took the opportunity to interact with the Agniveers, the young airmen under the Indian Air Force’s new recruitment scheme. He motivated them to uphold the highest standards of discipline and hard work, emphasizing that these qualities are crucial for achieving professional excellence and maintaining the integrity of the Indian Air Force.
The visit underscores the importance of ongoing development projects and the role of disciplined, well-trained personnel in enhancing the operational readiness and strategic capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
