In a landmark move to enhance India’s defense readiness, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct a high-profile operational trial on the under-construction Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur on May 2, 2025. The exercise, involving advanced fighter jets such as Rafale, Jaguar, and Mirage, aims to test the expressway’s viability as an alternative runway during emergencies and military operations.

A 3.5-kilometer stretch of the expressway has been specially developed as an emergency airstrip, making it the fourth expressway in Uttar Pradesh equipped for military aviation use, after the Agra-Lucknow, Purvanchal, and Bundelkhand expressways. Uniquely, the Ganga Expressway will be the first in the state designed to support both day and night fighter jet operations, offering a significant boost to India’s tactical flexibility.

The drills will include take-off and landing trials along with low-altitude fly-pasts at just one meter above the surface. Activities are scheduled to span from morning hours until late evening, with crucial night landing tests planned between 7 PM and 10 PM.

This initiative comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives and triggered a renewed focus on national security and rapid military mobilization capabilities. The IAF will also deploy transport aircraft including the C-130J Super Hercules, AN-32, and MI-17 V5 helicopters, essential for special operations, disaster relief, and humanitarian missions.

The IAF has assumed operational control of the designated airstrip segment, working in close coordination with the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA). To ensure maximum security during the drills, 250 CCTV cameras have been installed along the airstrip.

This trial reinforces the IAF’s broader strategy of utilizing dual-use infrastructure to bolster military logistics and rapid deployment capability. A similar approach was successfully demonstrated in Kargil in January 2024, when a C-130J performed a night landing on the upgraded airstrip there.

As India continues to modernize its defense infrastructure, the Ganga Expressway trial is expected to set a precedent for integrating civilian roadways into military operations, improving readiness in both conflict and crisis scenarios.

In a ceremonious and dignified transition, Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan PVSM, AVSM, VM took charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Central Air Command of the Indian Air Force (IAF). A Guard of Honour and wreath-laying ceremony marked the formal assumption of command, underscoring the rich traditions and discipline of the IAF.

Air Marshal Manikantan brings with him a stellar career spanning nearly four decades, with over 5,500 hours of flying experience. He previously served as the AOC-in-C of the Southern Air Command, a role he assumed on May 1, 2023. His appointment to the Central Air Command highlights the IAF’s continued trust in his seasoned leadership and strategic vision.

Commissioned into the flying branch of the IAF on June 7, 1986, the Air Marshal is an alumnus of some of India’s most prestigious defence institutions, including the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, College of Defence Management, and the National Defence College. His qualifications also include the distinction of being a Helicopter Combat Leader and a Type Qualified Flying Instructor.

Hailing from Thiruvarppu in Kottayam, Kerala, Air Marshal Manikantan was born into a family of educators—Balakrishna Pillai and P. K. Lakshmi Kutty Amma. His foundational training began at Sainik School, Kazhakootam, paving the way for a lifetime of service to the nation. His dedication and achievements have been recognised with several honours, including Commendation Cards from the AOC-in-C of Training Command in 1988 and the GOC-in-C of Northern Command in 2015.

Prior to his Southern Command role, he served as the Senior Air & Administration Staff Officer at Maintenance Command in Nagpur, demonstrating his multifaceted leadership in both operational and administrative domains.

Headquartered in Prayagraj, the Central Air Command is one of the five operational commands of the IAF. It plays a crucial role in India’s air defence and strategic air operations. With Air Marshal Manikantan at the helm, the command is poised to enhance its operational preparedness and strategic reach, continuing the IAF’s mission of excellence and national service.

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh formally assumed command of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Training Command today during a ceremonial event held at the command’s headquarters in Bengaluru. This leadership transition marks a pivotal moment for the IAF’s training ecosystem, which is central to preparing personnel for the challenges of modern aerial warfare.

The ceremony featured a traditional inspection of the Ceremonial Guard of Honour by Air Marshal Singh, who was greeted with military precision by personnel in formation. Following the inspection, he laid a wreath at the HQ Training Command War Memorial, paying tribute to the IAF personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.

Commissioned into the fighter stream in June 1987, Air Marshal Singh brings over 4,500 flying hours and an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades. He has commanded a fighter squadron, a radar unit, and a major fighter base. His operational leadership has extended to his role as Air Officer Commanding (AOC) in Jammu and Kashmir, and his strategic acumen has been demonstrated through key staff positions such as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations – Offensive and Strategy), and Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at the Eastern Air Command.

Most recently, he served as the Deputy Chief of Air Staff at Air Headquarters in New Delhi, a post he held since September 1, 2024. His appointment to the Training Command underscores the Air Force’s confidence in his ability to lead its vital training programs during a period of modernization and technological transformation.

The ceremony was attended by senior IAF officers, with the headquarters prominently displaying the “Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief” designation, reflecting the significance of the occasion. The Training Command is responsible for the comprehensive training of IAF personnel, from foundational instruction to advanced tactical and technical skills, ensuring the force maintains its operational edge.

Air Marshal Singh’s decorated service includes the Vayu Sena Medal (2007) and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022), recognizing his outstanding contributions to the Indian Air Force. His leadership is expected to further elevate the Training Command’s mission of producing well-rounded and combat-ready air warriors.

As the IAF advances its focus on cutting-edge platforms, joint operations, and evolving air warfare doctrines, the Training Command under Air Marshal Singh’s stewardship is poised to play a critical role in shaping the next generation of Indian military aviators.

In a ceremonial handover steeped in military tradition, Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor officially assumed command as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the South Western Air Command (SWAC) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) today. The transition ceremony was held at the SWAC headquarters in Sector 9, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, where Air Marshal Kapoor was accorded a Ceremonial Guard of Honour.

Air Marshal Kapoor succeeds Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, who has taken over as the 49th Vice Chief of the Air Staff at Air Headquarters, New Delhi. During his tenure as AOC-in-C from May 2023 to April 2025, Tiwari played a pivotal role in operational preparedness and strategic development within SWAC. A decorated officer, Tiwari’s service includes contributions to HAL Tejas flight testing and diplomatic tenure as Air Attaché in France. His awards include the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2025), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022), and Vayu Sena Medal (2008).

Air Marshal Kapoor, who previously served as the AOC-in-C of the Training Command since May 2024, brings extensive operational, strategic, and international experience. His past roles include commanding a fighter squadron in the Central Sector, leading a key air base in the Western Sector, and serving as Air Defence Commander at SWAC. He also held high-level staff positions at Air Headquarters and served as Defence Attaché in Pakistan. He is a recipient of the Vayu Sena Medal (2008) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022).

Established in 1980, the South Western Air Command oversees critical air operations across Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Maharashtra, including Pune. Initially based in Jodhpur, the headquarters shifted to Gandhinagar in 1998 to accommodate operational expansion. SWAC is instrumental in air defense and civil coordination, especially during natural disasters such as floods.

The ceremony reaffirmed the Indian Air Force’s dedication to discipline, tradition, and operational excellence. SWAC’s proximity to the upcoming Chiloda command complex—just 7 km away—signals continued growth in capability and infrastructure for southwestern air operations.

This leadership transition marks a renewed focus on strengthening India’s air defense architecture and strategic presence in the region.