Air Marshal Manish Khanna, a fighter pilot with over 4,000 hours of flying experience on various fighter and trainer aircraft, assumed command of the Southern Air Command (SAC) in Thiruvananthapuram on June 1, 2025. Commissioned into the Indian Air Force's fighter stream on December 6, 1986, Air Marshal Khanna brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

Air Marshal Manish Khanna: Career Trajectory

The air officer is a recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vayu Sena Medal (VM). A Category 'A' qualified flight trainer, Air Marshal Khanna is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, College of Air Warfare, and National Defence College.

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Throughout his rich career spanning over four decades, Air Marshal Khanna has served in various capacities, including Fighter Squadrons, Air Crew Examination Board, Advanced Headquarters, Western Air Command, and as Commandant of the College of Air Warfare (CAW). Prior to his current appointment, he served as Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at South Western Command.

Meanwhile, Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann has taken over as Senior Air Staff Officer of the Western Air Command, replacing Air Marshal Khanna. Commissioned as a fighter pilot on December 16, 1989, Air Marshal Mann has flown over 3,000 hours on various fighter aircraft and has commanded a fighter squadron.

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