**Appointment of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Air Command**
On July 1, 2026, Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Vayu Sena Medal (VM), officially assumed command as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Southern Air Command. The transition was marked by a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Headquarters Southern Air Command.
**Professional Background and Experience**
Air Marshal Mann was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 16, 1989. His career, spanning nearly four decades, includes the following qualifications and metrics:
* **Flying Experience:** Over 3,000 flying hours as a Pilot Attack Instructor.
* **Aircraft Proficiencies:** Apache, MiG-21, Jaguar, MiG-29, Su-30, and Rafale.
* **Education:** Graduate of the Defence Services Staff College and Higher Air Command; Post Graduate from the Royal College of Defence Studies, London (UK).
**Career Highlights and Previous Appointments**
Prior to his current appointment, Air Marshal Mann served as the Senior Air Staff Officer at Western Air Command. His previous command and staff roles include:
* Command of a Fighter Squadron and a premium fighter base.
* Air Defence Commander and Senior Officer in charge Administration of a Command.
* Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Offensive) and Director General (Weapon Systems) at Air HQ.
**Succession**
Air Marshal Mann succeeds Air Marshal Manish Khanna, UYSM, AVSM, VM, who retired on June 30, 2026, after 40 years of service.
**Administrative Information**
* **Release ID:** 2280093
* **Source:** PIB Delhi, Ministry of Defence
* **Publication Date:** July 1, 2026, 8:09 PM
* **Visitor Counter:** 5431
Key Entities Referenced
Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann: The high-ranking officer who assumed the command of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Air Command, on July 1, 2026.
Southern Air Command: The operational command of the Indian Air Force that transitioned to new leadership under Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann.
Indian Air Force: The primary military organization and service branch in which the leadership appointment and military career took place.
Ministry of Defence: The central government ministry overseeing the Indian Air Force and responsible for the notification of this high-level military appointment.
Ministry of Defence
AIR MARSHAL JASVIR SINGH MANN ASSUMES
COMMAND AS AIR OFFICER COMMANDING-IN-
CHIEF, SOUTHERN AIR COMMAND ON 01 JUL
2026
प्रव तथ: 01 JUL 2026 8:09PM by PIB Delhi
Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vayu Sena Medal, assumed command of
Southern Air Command as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief on 01 July 2026. He was accorded a
ceremonial Guard of Honour at Headquarters Southern Air Command on the occasion.
Commissioned in the fighter stream of Indian Air Force on 16 December 1989, the Air officer is a
graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Higher Air Command and Post Graduate from the 'Royal
College of Defence Studies', London (UK). He is a Pilot Attack Instructor' who has over 3000 Hr of flying
experience on various aircraft like Apache, MiG-21, Jaguar, Mig-29, Su-30 and Rafale.
In his illustrious service career spanning nearly four decades, the Air Marshal has commanded a Fighter
Squadron and served as Air Officer Commanding of a premium fighter base. He has held important
command and staff appointments which include Air Defence Commander and Senior Officer in charge
Administration of a Command. At Air HQ, he has held the office of Assistant Chief of Air Staff
Operations (Offensive) and Director General (Weapon Systems). Prior to taking over his present
appointment, the Air Marshal was Senior Air Staff Officer at Western Air Command, contributing to joint
operational enhancement in multiple domains. In recognition of his distinguished services, he has been
awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vayu Sena Medal.
Air Mshl Jasvir Singh Mann succeeds Air Marshal Manish Khanna, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht
Seva Medal and Vayu Sena Medal, who superannuated on 30 Jun 26, after four decades of distinguished
service to the nation.***
HT/VK/GK
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