NB In List | 5 things to know about Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, who took over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Air Command

New Delhi, May 3: Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan took over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of Southern Air Command on Monday (May 1). An alumnus of Sainik School Kazhakootam and National Defence Academy, the Air Marshal was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in Jun 1986.

Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Air Command

Here are quick facts to know about Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan;

1. Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan Flying (Pilot) took over the command of Helicopter Unit, an operational Mi-17 IV unit on 16 Jun 2003. He was among the first helicopter Directing Staff at TACDE and was actively involved in formalizing helicopter combat tactics and assessment criteria.

Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan has been the Flight Commander of Helicopter Unit, a Mi-17 unit, operating in Op Meghdoot sector. Under his command, the unit has flown 5I20 hours without any accident. he ensured that unit aircrew achieved high standards of role based training and Hew over 650 hours himself during the period.

From Sep-Dec 2003, the unit was tasked to carry out the novel task of offshore operations in Mumbai High. Despite lack of previous experience, the unit flew 130 hours to various ONGC rigs, a feat that was well appreciated.

Under Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan's leadership, the unit also earned accolades for the difficult task of operating and maintaining six additional new BSF helicopters from Nov 2003-Feb 2005, flying 640 hours.The unit was adjudged the 'Best Helicopter Unit' in Western Air Command in 2004 and also performed exceedingly well in Ex-Vayu Spardha.

Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan is a recipient of the Presidential Awards of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vayu Sena Medal (VM)