Air Marshal Manish Khanna

Air Marshal Manish Khanna (Retd), UYSM, AVSM, VM, is a distinguished former Indian Air Force officer who last served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Air Command. Commissioned as a fighter pilot in December 1986, he has over 4,000 flying hours and extensive operational experience in air defence, strategic reconnaissance and electronic warfare. His key appointments include Senior Air Staff Officer, South Western Air Command; Commandant, College of Air Warfare; and Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Bidar. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and National Defence College, he holds a PhD in Defence and Strategic Studies. He retired in June 2026 after nearly four decades of service.