CAC, IAF

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/… #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.

Air Marshal B Manikantan, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command, visited Sainik School Ambikapur on 04 April 2026. On arrival, he was presented a ceremonial Guard of Honour. During the visit, he interacted with the cadets & faculty and expressed appreciation for the ongoing expansion and modernisation initiatives being undertaken at the institution. While addressing the cadets, he inspired them to strive for excellence and emphasised the importance of discipline, teamwork and character building. He underscored the core values of duty, dedication, devotion and the need to excel in both academics and physical fitness. He also commended the teachers and staff for their pivotal role in shaping future leaders and acknowledged the institution’s significant contribution towards nurturing young minds.

The annual ‘Inter branch’ sports meet 2025-26 of HQ Central Air Command, concluded on Friday with a grand closing ceremony, featuring high-intensity athletic events comprising 100 m, 200 m, 400 m, 800 m races and the 4×200 m relay. The sports events included matches in cricket, basketball, volleyball, badminton, range firing and athletics. Each event witnessed keen competition, with participants striving to deliver their best performance. Air Marshal B Manikantan, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command, presided over the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest and felicitated the winners with medals and trophies. Sports is not merely a test of physical strength and skill, but a celebration of teamwork and the true spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

FIN-SYN 2026: A Synergy Conference between the Competent Financial Authority (CFA) and Integrated Financial Advisors (IFA) of Central Air Command was recently held at HQ CAC. Air Mshl B Manikantan, AOC-in-C CAC chaired the conference and underscored the criticality of aligning budgeting with operational imperatives and optimising resource allocation. Shri Dhananjay Singh, IDAS (IFA), led the team of Financial Advisors, comprising of Senior Deputy IFA, Deputy IFAs and Asst IFAs from CAC AOR. Key issues pertaining to enhanced CFA-IFA coordination, fiscal prudence and effective financial governance were discussed. The AOC-in-C lauded the collaborative approach of all stakeholders, highlighting their vital role in strengthening operational readiness and achieving the strategic objectives of the #IndianAirForce.

Air Marshal S Shrinivas, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command introduces the theme of #RANSAMWAD2026 – A Dialogue on #War, #Warfare & #Warfighting 👉🏻 "#MultiDomainOperations : An Imperative for Addressing Conventional and Irregular Threats". #TriServices seminar will be hosted by #HQTC at 📍Air Force Technical College, Bengaluru 🗓️ 09-10 April 2026 #RANSAMWAD2026 #MultiDomainOperations #WarWarfareWarfighting #MDO #HybridWarriors #Jointmanship #AtmanirbharBharat #CAW #AFTC #WholeofNation Further details uploading @DefenceMinIndia @SethSanjayMP @SpokespersonMoD @HQ_IDS_India @adgpi @indiannavy @IAF_MCC

Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, RAF (UK), visited Air Force Station Gwalior on 24 Mar 2026, gaining first-hand insight into IAF fighter base operations and interacting with air warriors. He was received by Air Marshal B Manikantan, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command. The visit reinforced mutual understanding and explored avenues for enhanced convergence and interoperability between the two Air Forces. #IAF #RoyalAirForce #DefenceCooperation @RoyalAirForce @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD @HQ_IDS_India @adgpi @CareerinIAF