Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry assumed charge as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command on 01 Jun 2026. Commissioned into the Fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in Dec 1989, he brings vast operational and leadership experience. Prior to this appointment, he was serving as Senior Air Staff Officer at HQ Southern Air Command. He succeeds Air Marshal B Manikantan, who superannuated on 31 May 2026 after rendering four decades of distinguished service. #Leadership #CentralAirCommand #IndianAirForce @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD @HQ_IDS_India @adgpi @indiannavy @CareerinIAF

Air Mshl B Manikantan, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command superannuated on 31 May 26 after rendering four decades of distinguished and dedicated service to the IAF and to the nation. The Air Mshl made significant contributions through key operational, command and staff appointments in Indian Air Force. The eve of his superannuation was marked by a Commander's Conclave to review the operational preparedness of the Central Air Command followed by a tree plantation drive at HQ CAC. He also interacted with Air Warriors and appreciated them for their dedication and professionalism while motivating them to continue upholding the highest standards and traditions of the IAF. On the occasion, the Air Mshl received a ceremonial Guard of Honour and laid a wreath at the Command War memorial to pay homage to fallen air warriors. Guided by his vision and inspiring leadership, Central Air Command expresses its profound appreciation for his stellar service and dedication to the nation. #IndianAirForce #CentralAirCommand #PRODefprayagraj

Air Marshal B Manikantan, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command, visited Air Force Station Bareilly from 18 to 19 May 2026. On arrival, he was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour. During his visit, he flew a sortie in the Su-30 MKI and also inaugurated a newly constructed Station Medicare Centre at the station. During his interaction with the Station personnel, the Air Mshl commended them for their professionalism, commitment and dedication towards maintaining a high level of operational readiness. He urged them to continue striving for excellence. #IAF_MCC #PRODefPrayagraj

Air Mshl B Manikantan, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command, recently visited the Air Force units in Lucknow, comprising AF Stn Bakshi Ka Talab and AF Stn Memaura. During the visit, he carried out a comprehensive review of the operational preparedness of these Stations, peacetime functioning and ongoing capability enhancement initiatives. The Air Mshl interacted with air warriors and complimented them on their professionalism, dedication and commitment towards maintaining high operational readiness and fostering a positive work culture. He also inaugurated facilities to enhance the quality of life such as the Single Officers’ Accommodation and Station Gym at AF Stn Bakshi Ka Talab. The Air Mshl appreciated the sincere efforts of all personnel in accomplishing assigned tasks in a highly professional manner. #IAF_MCC #PRODefPrayagraj

A Felicitation Ceremony was conducted at HQ Central Air Command (CAC) Prayagraj, to honour members of CAC Sports teams for their stellar achievements in various Air Force Sports Championships held in 2025-26. Air Marshal B Manikantan, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command, felicitated the sportspersons and commended them for their exemplary performance, perseverance and competitive spirit. The AOC-in-C reaffirmed CAC’s commitment to the promotion of sports through modern infrastructure, state of art training facilities and regular competitive events, aimed at nurturing sporting talent. He also interacted with the sportspersons and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence and achieve greater heights in the field of sports. #PROdefprayag #IAF_MCC

HQ Central Air Command organised a Seminar at Prayagraj on the topic "Bhavi Alokah- Crystal Gazing into Operational Employment of Helicopters in Future Conflicts" on 11 May 26. The three-session Seminar was inaugurated by Air Mshl B Manikantan, AOC-in-C CAC. The former Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major (Retd) graced the occassion as Chief guest. The seminar witnessed participation of IAF officers, both serving and retired, speakers from Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI), HAL, IIT Madras and rotary wing specialists from IAF units across the country. The seminar sparked strategic insights and intense deliberations on helicopter operations amid evolving threats and in a contested environment. #BhaviAlokah #IAF #HelicopterOps #HQ CAC #CentralAirCommand #RWSI #HAL #@iitmadras #PRODefprayagraj #IAF_MCC

#OperationSindoor Justice delivered with precision. Unyielding in resolve, decisive in action — Operation Sindoor stands etched in the nation’s memory forever. India remembers. India responds. #operation #Sindoor #operationsindoor #IAF @PMOIndia @rajnathsingh @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD @HQ_IDS_India @adgpi @CareerinIAF @Indiannavy

Air Marshal B Manikantan, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command visited Air Force Station Agra from 02 to 03 May 2026. During the visit, AOC-in-C reviewed operational readiness of the base and infrastructure development, wherein he inaugurated the newly commissioned Water Supply Enhancement Project at AFS Agra. The project was made operational with support from HQ CAC, Municipal Commissioner Agra, GM Jal Sansthan Agra and Military Engineering Services. The project will facilitate uninterrupted water supply to AF Stn Agra to meet its water requirements. While interacting with the Station personnel, the Air Marshal commended their unwavering commitment, high levels of operational readiness and highlighted their vital role in ensuring all air transport operations and assistance in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions in the region. #IndianAirForce #AirPower @PRODefprayagraj @IAF_MCC

Air Marshal B Manikantan, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command visited Air Force Station Gorakhpur from 01 to 02 May 2026. He was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour on arrival. He reviewed the operational preparedness and ongoing developments at the Station. The AOC-in-C inaugurated a new Jaguar simulator complex and subsequently carried out a familiarisation sortie on the simulator. He also inaugurated the renovated Station Gymnasium. He interacted with air warriors, commending them for their professionalism and dedication towards maintaining robust operational readiness. #IndianAirForce #AerospaceSafety #AirPower @PRODefprayagraj @IAF_MCC

On a request from state government authorities, an IAF Mi 17 V5 of Central Air Command (CAC) was deployed to rescue two stranded children, who were stuck on top of a water tank in Sidharth Nagar in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. The children were stranded in the night as the ladder of the water tank was damaged. The rescue mission, yet again, displays the IAF's professionalism and commitment to save lives with a swift response in times of need. 🇮🇳 #CAC #IAF

Air Mshl B Manikantan, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Central Air Command visited Air Force Station Darbhanga on 27 April 26. On arrival, he was received by the Station Commander. The AOC-in-C reviewed operational readiness and infrastructure development, and inaugurated newly constructed MI room, Mess, Transit Accomodation and Indoor sports complex. The Air Mshl commended the Station for its unwavering dedication and professionalism. He interacted with Station personnel and underscored the critical role of the Station in ensuring robust support for flying operations in the sector as well as assistance to civil aviation.

Air Office Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command visited Air Force Station Bihta on 24 April 2026. The AOC-in-C was received by Station Commander Air Force Station Bihta and briefed about operational preparedness and welfare initiatives under taken by the Station. The Air Mshl interacted with station personnel, appreciated them for their high morale and urged them to maintain a continued focus on precision, synergy, and capability enhancement.

Air Mshi B Manikantan, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command visited Air Force Station Gwalior, from 23-24 April 26 to review the operational preparedness of the base and its combat elements. He was accompanied by Dr (Mrs) Nirmala T Manikantan, President AFFWA (R). The Air Marshal commended the air warriors for their professionalism and recent accomplishments in various fields and inspired them to maintain highest levels of preparedness in future. He highlighted recent significant initiatives taken by the IAF towards enhancing the overall combat potential and optimizing existing processes. During his interactions with station personnel, he emphasized on being ever conscious of the prevailing security environment in the region, encouraged them to maintain vigil and remain fully prepared at all times.

Air Mshl B Manikantan, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command along with Dr (Mrs) Nirmala T Manikantan President AFFWA(R) recently visited AF Station Sonegaon Nagpur and Air Force Station Jabalpur to review the operational preparedness of the bases and its combat elements. He was briefed about the progress of work services for 'Project Gajraj’, a Greenfield Air Force Station coming up at Multi-Modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN). He inaugurated the Indoor training facility for Garuds. A ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented on arrival, followed by a briefing and interaction with all personnel. The Air Mshl appreciated personnel for high morale and urged continued focus on precision, synergy and capability enhancement. President AFFWA(R) interacted with the Sanginis and reviewed welfare and health related activities of the Station.

Indian Air Force operationalised an Emergency Landing Facility on the Purvanchal Expressway. The drill underscores the IAF’s capability to function beyond conventional airfields, reinforcing operational preparedness and rapid disaster response. Witnessed by UP State Minister for Panchayati Raj and Minority Welfare Shri Om Prakash Rajbhar, Air Mshl B Manikantan, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command, Shri Deepak Kumar CEO UPEIDA and other officials—reflecting swift mobilisation, and seamless civil-military coordination. #IAF #ELF @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD @HQ_IDS_India @adgpi @indiannavy @CareerinIAF

Expressway to readiness: IAF fighter jets conduct precision drills on Purvanchal Highway Read @ANI Story | aninews.in/news/national/gen… #IAF #fighterjets #PurvanchalHighway #UP #Drills

#WATCH | Indian Air Force aircraft lands on the Purvanchal Expressway as part of an air show in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh @IAF_MCC

On the 107th Birth Anniversary of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, DFC, all Stations and Units of Central Air Command undertook diverse activities such as five kms walkathon, cyclothon and tree plantation on 15 April 2026 to commemorate one of the nation's most revered Air Warriors who is a symbol of exceptional leadership, courage and foresight. His service to the nation continues to inspire generations of Air Warriors. At Headquarter CAC, the commemorative walkathon was flagged off by Air Marshal B Manikantan, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command. Air Warriors and their families participated enthusiastically in the event, demonstrating their deep respect for the legendary Marshal of the Air Force and reaffirming their spirit of unity, commitment and pride in service to the nation.

Air Marshal B Manikantan, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command and Chairman Local Board of Administration Sainik School Rewa visited the school on 10 Apr 2026. He reviewed the cadets parade and paid homage at the School War Memorial, honouring the supreme sacrifice of the fallen heros in service of the nation. During his visit, the Air Marshal interacted with the cadets and faculty and lauded the school’s proud legacy of producing leaders for the Defence Services. Addressing the cadets, he exhorted them to remain grounded in strong character and to strive for excellence in all their endeavours. He also commended the staff for their vital role in the holistic development of institution’s infrastructure development through effective utilisation of resources.