Sun Jun 01 09:05:26 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Air Marshal Manish Khanna has assumed command of the Southern Air Command (SAC) as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief on June 1, 2025. He brings extensive experience with over 4,000 flying hours and a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades. Simultaneously, Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann has taken over as Senior Air Staff Officer of the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command (WAC).

**News Article:**

**Air Marshal Manish Khanna Takes Helm of Southern Air Command, Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann Appointed to Western Air Command**

**New Delhi, June 1, 2025** – In a series of key appointments within the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Marshal Manish Khanna assumed command of the Southern Air Command (SAC) as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, effective today, June 1, 2025. A seasoned officer with over 4,000 hours of flying experience on a variety of fighter and trainer aircraft, Air Marshal Khanna brings a wealth of operational and training expertise to his new role.

Commissioned in the fighter stream on December 6, 1986, Air Marshal Khanna is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and various prestigious defense institutions. His prior roles include commanding officer of a fighter squadron, the Western Air Command Advance Headquarters, and Commandant at the College of Air Warfare (CAW), culminating most recently as Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at South Western Command (SWAC). He also served internationally as Chief Flying Instructor with the Botswana Defence Forces.

In a related announcement, the Ministry of Defence confirmed the appointment of Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann as Senior Air Staff Officer of the IAF’s Western Air Command (WAC), also effective today. Air Marshal Mann, commissioned on December 16, 1989, is a fighter pilot with over 3,000 flying hours and has commanded a fighter squadron and a premium fighter base. He is also a pilot attack instructor.

These appointments signal the continued evolution and strengthening of the Indian Air Force’s leadership.

Read More