Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan Appointed AOC-in-C of Central Air Command

Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan PVSM, AVSM, and VM took charge of AOC-in-C of Central Air Command in the Indian Air Force. He served in the Indian Air Force for more than four decades with a flying experience of 5500 hours.

He served as AOC-in-C of Southern Air Command on 1st May 2023. He achieved recognition for his planning and strategic vision. Air Marshal studied in prestigious defence institutions, the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, College of Defence Management, and the National Defence College.

He achieved distinction in being a Helicopter Combat Leader and a Type Qualified Flying Instructor. Manikantan was commissioned in the IAF’s fighter stream on 7th June 1986. 

Manikantan Family Information

Blakrishnan is from Thiruvarppu (Kottayam, Kerala). He belongs to the family of educators. His father's name is Balakrishna Pillai, and his mother's name is P. K. Lakshmi Kutty Amma.

He gained foundational training to serve the nation from his school days. He completed his schooling at Sainik School, Kazhakootam. He completed his college from reputed institutions, the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, College of Defence Management, and the National Defence College.

His focus and dedication helped him to know about the defence services in India. He is dedicated towards his work. It helped him achievements and recognition from his school days. 

Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan's Achievements

Manikantan decided to join the defence forces in India from his childhood days. He achieved a formal education in school, which helped him develop a mindset to serve the nation. He commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 7th June 1986.

 His strategic vision and knowledge to handle his position helped him to serve in the IAF for more than four decades. He handled his responsibilities while serving as the Senior Air & Administration Staff Officer at Maintenance Command in Nagpur. He demonstrated his leadership skills in administrative and operational domains.

 He got the responsibility to handle the Central Air Command in Prayagraj. It is one of the central locations for the Indian Air Force for the operations.

 His achievements are recognised with several honors, AOC-in-C of Training Command (1988) and the GOC-in-C of Northern Command (2015). He is the recipient of the Presidential Awards, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vayu Sena Medal (VM).

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