CAC, IAF

AOC-in-C Central Air Command, Air Marshal B Manikantan PVSM AVSM VM, visited AF Station Agra today alongwith Dr (Mrs) Nirmala T Manikantan, President AFFWA (R), to celebrate Holi with all personnel and families of Air Force Station Agra. The AOC-in-C addressed all Station personnel, extending warm wishes and distributed sweets to mark the joyous and colourful spirit of Holi. He was received by Air Cmde Jaipal Singh Rajput, Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station Agra, who also conveyed his warm wishes and greetings on Holi. The visit highlighted the IAF's emphasis on connecting with personnel and sharing festive cheer. #CentralAirCommand #PROdefprayagraj

Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, GOC-in-C Central Command, called on Air Mshl Balakrishnan Manikantan, AOC-in-C Central Air Command at Prayagraj on 02 Mar 26. The commanders discussed enhancing joint operational readiness, strengthening inter-service coordination and focus on future strategies for seamless IAF - IA synergy. This high-level meeting underscores the Indian Armed Forces’ integrated approach to ensuring robust defense across critical sectors. #PRODefencePrayagraj #CentralCommand #CentralAirCommand

Mi-17 V5 and ALH Mk III Helicopters of Central Air Command successfully airlifted nine Cheetahs to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, further strengthening India’s Cheetah conservation efforts. The animals are being translocated from #Botswana under Project Cheetah. The mission was executed with precision and professionalism in coordination with Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (#MoEFCC) reflecting the steadfast commitment of the Indian Air Force to national conservation goals. 🇮🇳🚁 #ProjectCheetah #CheetahInIndia #WildlifeConservation #KunoNationalPark #CAC #IAF_MCC #MoEFCC

In a landmark initiative, a Cataract Surgical Eye camp was organized for serving soldiers, their dependents, and veterans and underprivileged civilians at 12 Air Force Hospital, Gorakhpur from 24 to 27 Feb 2026. Medical teams comprising of Eye Specialists from various Defence Services hospitals performed a record breaking 374 surgeries with cutting edge technology and latest equipment showcasing seamless inter-services collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence in healthcare. During the closing ceremony, the Chief Guest, Air Marshal B Manikantan, AOC-in-C Central Air Command lauded the exemplary work carried out by the operating teams and 12 Air Force Hospital. The ceremony was graced by Dr (Mrs) Nirmala T Manikantan, President AFFWA (Regional), who was also the guest of honour. They also distributed eye glasses, medications and eye care instruction booklet to patients for optimal post surgery recovery. By bringing the light back into hundreds of lives, the Armed Forces Medical services and specifically, 12 Air Force Hospital, have once again reaffirmed their steadfast resolve to serve where it matters most - upholding the highest traditions of selfless service, inter-service cooperation, and mission-first commitment. #AFMS #IndianAirForce #VeteransCare #Ophthalmology #ServiceBeforeSelf

Air Marshal B Manikantan, AOC-in-C, HQ Central Air Command, recently visited Air Force Station Memaura. On arrival, he was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour. He reviewed operational readiness, Air Defence system upgrades, training demonstrations and infrastructure development; he also inaugurated the Station Community Hall. The AOC-in-C interacted with air warriors and civilians and commended the Station for its unwavering dedication and professionalism. He underscored the critical role of the Station in ensuring credible and robust Air Defence preparedness. #IndianAirForce #CAC #AFSMemaura

Surg Vice Adm Arti Sarin, #DGAFMS inaugurated a Cataract Surgical Eye Camp for serving soldiers, veterans & dependants at 12 Air Force Hospital Gorakhpur today. This landmark initiative showcasing seamless inter-services collaboration and mission-first healthcare delivery, has registered over 340 patients for surgeries scheduled from 24–26 Feb 2026. The ceremony was attended by Air Mshl Sandeep Thareja, #DGMS (Air) and other Armed Forces and civilian dignitaries. @adgpi @indiannavy @IAF_MCC @PibIndia @HQ_IDS_India @SpokespersonMoD #AFMS #IndianAirForce #VeteransCare #Ophthalmology #ServiceBeforeSelf

Surg Vice Adm Arti Sarin, #DGAFMS visited 12 Air Force Hospital Gorakhpur today, as as part of the inauguration ceremony of the Cataract Surgical Camp. During the visit, the Flag Officer awarded the #DGAFMS Commendation Card to the Hospital for its patient-centric initiatives, quality-conscious practices, and institutional collaboration. Air Mshl Sandeep Thareja, #DGMS (Air) and #AOC, 17 Wing Air Force, Air Cmde Yogesh Isaar accompanied the #DGAFMS during her visit. @adgpi @indiannavy @IAF_MCC @HQ_IDS_India @PiBIndia @SpokespersonMoD

Surg VAdm Arti Sarin, #DGAFMS, during her visit to 12 Air Force Hospital at Gorakhpur interacted with Maj Gen (Dr) Vibha Datta (Retd), Director, AIIMS Gorakhpur, in the presence of Air Mshl Sandeep Thareja, #DGMS (Air), to explore avenues for deeper institutional collaboration in tertiary care, academic exchange, and specialist training. The interaction reaffirmed a shared commitment to strengthening regional healthcare ecosystems and advancing Service–civil synergy for patient-centric excellence. @adgpi @indiannavy @IAF_MCC @PibIndia @SpokespersonMoD @HQ_IDS_India @AIIMSGorakhpur #AFMS #AIIMS #InterServiceCollaboration #MilitaryMedicine

Air Marshal B Manikantan, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command recently visited Air Force Station Bareilly. On arrival, he was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour. He was briefed on operations, maintenance and administration of the air base. He inspected the combat units at base and reviewed achievements as well as future plans. He inaugurated the newly constructed swimming pool. The AOC-in-C interacted with Station personnel and commended them for their professionalism and sustained efforts in maintaining high standards of operational readiness. #IndianAirForce #CAC #AFSBAREILLY

Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command, Air Mshl B Manikantan recently visited AF Stn Gwalior, the ‘Conglomerate of Professional Excellence’. On arrival he was presented with a ceremonial Guard of Honour. He visited AF School and interacted with the students. The Air Mshl reviewed the operational preparedness, undertook sortie, inspected the combat elements and ops infrastructure of the base. Subsequently he addressed the air warriors and highlighted the significance of the air base and motivated them to maintain the highest level of operational readiness at all times. The AOC-in-C appreciated the air warriors for their professionalism and steadfast commitment to excellence. #CentralAirCommand #IAF #AFS_Gwalior

Proud interaction with Air Veterans & families at HQ Central Air Command today! AOC-in-C Air Mshl B Manikantan & Dr (Mrs) Nirmala T Manikantan, President AFFWA (Regional), graced the occasion. Cherished exchanges, shared experiences, suggestions & swift resolutions reinforced our timeless bond & IAF’s commitment to veterans. #IndianAirForce #CentralAirCommand #AirVeterans

Unleashing the spirit of patriotism and freedom, stringing hearts together with national pride, No. 4 Air Force Band, Central Air Command, enthralled audiences with soul-stirring performances at the Gwalior Vyapar Mela. Through melody, precision and military ethos, the band vividly showcased the IAF’s core values, while the IAF publicity stall at AFS Gwalior further inspired the youth to serve the nation by joining the Indian Defence Forces. #HarKaamDeshKeNam #IndianAirForce #CAC

On an official visit to Singapore, Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, AOC-in-C, CAC met Brigadier-General (BG) Ho Kum Luen, Chief of Staff- Air Staff, Republic of Singapore Air Force and BG Chan Ching Hao Chief of Staff - Joint Staff, Singapore Armed Forces at Changi Exhibition Centre on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow 26. During the visit, he interacted with H.E. Dr. Shilpak Ambule, High Commissioner of India to Singapore, and the #Sarang Helicopter Display Team that is participating in the Airshow. In a solemn ceremony he laid a wreath at the Kranji War Memorial, to honour the fallen soldiers of WW 2. @DefenceMinIndia @HCI_Singapore @SpokespersonMoD @HQ_IDS_India @adgpi @CareerinIAF @SGAirshow @sarang_iaf

Air Marshal B Manikantan, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command, recently visited Air Force Station Bakshi Ka Talab, Lucknow. On arrival, he was presented with a ceremonial Guard of Honour. The Air Marshal reviewed the Station’s operational readiness, undertook a sortie in the Kiran Mk II aircraft and interacted with personnel. He commended the air warriors for their high morale, professionalism and steadfast commitment to operational preparedness. #CentralAirCommand #IAF #BKT

Air Force School Teachers' Training Workshop was held at AF Stn Bamrauli, Prayagraj from 30 Jan to 01 Feb 26. 150 Teachers from Central Air Command AoR attended the workshop conducted under the aegis of Indian Air Force Educational and Cultural Society. The keynote address was delivered by Dr Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations, CBSE on National Education Policy and National Curriculum Framework for School Education. The workshop was inaugurated online by AVM H S Sidana, ACAS (Edn) and concluded by Air Cmde Manish Sinha, AOC, AF Stn Bamrauli. #CentralAirCommad #IAF #TeacherTrainingWorkshop

"𝗘𝘅 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘃𝗮𝘆- 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲." Ex Samanvay, the Annual Joint #IndianArmy & #IndianAirForce Conclave between #SuryaCommand and #CentralAirCommand, was held at HQ #CentralCommand, #Lucknow from 29 to 30 Jan 26. The conclave focused on achieving the highest level of synergy through efficient application of resources to meet joint objectives across domains. The conclave was attended by Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, GOC-in-C #CentralCommand and Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, AOC-in-C #CentralAirCommand. Professional minds from both Services engaged in candid and forward-looking deliberations on current challenges and the way ahead. Focused discussions on joint planning, interoperability and capability development reinforced shared understanding and strengthened joint resolve. Ex Samanvay reaffirmed the commitment of the #IndianArmy and #IndianAirForce to operate as an integrated force, ready and decisive in pursuit of national objectives. #ExSamanvay #Jointness #IntegratedOperations #Synergy #NationFirst @adgpi @ProDefLko @PROdefprayagraj @PIB_India @HQ_IDS_India @PRODefDehradun @UBArea_IA @IAF_MCC @CAC_CPRO

On 29 Jan 26, senior representatives from the Defence Estates Organisation and Station Commanders from Central Air Command region, comprising the key states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Uttarakhand, participated in a high-level video conference focused on land acquisition, estate management and resolution of pending land issues. Chaired by Air Marshal B Manikantan, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command, the meeting was productive in enabling a comprehensive review of ongoing cases, detailed deliberations on complex challenges and forge consensus on clear, time-bound action plan to resolve issues. It underscores the IAF's steadfast commitment to streamlining defence land matters, strengthening infrastructure development, and ensuring seamless operational readiness in support of national security. #IAF #IndianAirForce #CentralAirCommand

On the occasion of Republic Day, a felicitation ceremony was held at AF Stn Bamrauli, to honour the three bravehearts of Prayagraj, Shri Pankaj, Shri Lal Sahab and Shri Alok Yadav, for their courage and bravery shown during rescue of the two aircrew involved in the emergency landing of IAF Microlite aircraft on 21 Jan 26. The three heroes were felicitated by the Air Officer Commanding, (AOC) AF Stn Bamrauli, and all Station personnel, for their brave and selfless act. The AOC also lauded the people of Prayagraj who contributed towards efficient and quick recovery of the aircraft. The two rescued crew members also joined in the felicitation programme and wholeheartedly thanked their rescuers. The event stood as a shining testimony to the deep bond and unwavering affection of the people towards the Indian Armed Forces. #prayagrajbravehearts #CAC @IAF_MCC