AIR MARSHAL MANISH KHANNA UYSM, AVSM, VM
AIR OFFICER COMMANDING-IN-CHIEF
SOUTHERN  AIR COMMAND, INDIAN AIR FORCE

1. Air Marshal Manish Khanna AVSM VM was commissioned in the fighter stream of Indian Air Force on 06 Dec 1986. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, College of Air Warfare, Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College. He also holds a PhD degree in Defence and Strategic Studies.

2. The Air Officer is a Category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor and has over 4000 hr of accident / incident-free flying on a number of fighter aircraft (Mirage 2000, MiG-21 (BIS/T-96), MiG-25, F-5 A/B) and trainer aircraft (Hawk MK-132, Kiran Mk I/II). He has rich operational experience in Air Defence, Ground Attack, Strategic Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare. He has commanded a Fighter Squadron, the Aircrew Examining Board, a Flying Base, Advance Headquarters WAC and the College of Air Warfare. He has also been the Chief Flying Instructor with the Botswana Defence Forces and has had tenure at the National Security Council Secretariat. The Air Officer’s appointments at Air Headquarters include Air Commodore Personnel Planning and Air Commodore Operations Air Defence (Weapon Systems) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Personnel Officers). Prior to assuming the current appointment of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief HQ SAC, he was the Senior Air Staff Officer at HQ SWAC.

3. A recipient of Presidential award of Vayu Sena Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Uttam Yudh Seva Medal for his distinguished service, the Air Officer has also been commended by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief and the Chief of the Air Staff.

4. He is married to Mrs Anu Khanna who is a home maker and was earlier working for a charity trust. The couple are blessed with two children who are working. Hobbies of the Air Officer include Painting, Trekking/ Camping, Outdoors, Golf and Yoga.