**Summary of Appointment: Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command**
**Event Overview**
On June 1, 2026, Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry, AVSM, VSM, officially assumed the appointment of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Central Air Command. He succeeds Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, PVSM, AVSM, VM, who retired on May 31, 2026, following a 40-year career.
**Professional Background and Education**
* **Commission:** December 1989 into the Fighter stream of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
* **Education:** Alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, College of Air Warfare, and National Defence College.
* **Previous Appointment:** Senior Air Staff Officer, HQ Southern Air Command.
**Key Career Highlights and Expertise**
* **Diplomatic Experience:** Served as the Defence Attache at the Embassy of India in Sweden, with concurrent accreditation to Denmark, Finland, and Norway.
* **Staff Assignments:** Held critical roles at HQ Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) and Air HQ, specializing in Human Resource Management, Acquisition, and Projects.
* **Operational Impact:** Led various transformative projects focused on the induction of future technologies and enhancement of IAF capabilities.
**Administrative Details**
* **Source:** Ministry of Defence / PIB Delhi
* **Release Date:** June 1, 2026 (4:37 PM)
* **Release ID:** 2267533
* **Visitor Counter:** 20812
* **Official Languages:** Available in English, Hindi, and Urdu
Key Entities Referenced
Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry: The officer who assumed the appointment of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command on June 1, 2026.
Central Air Command: A command of the Indian Air Force where the new leadership appointment took place.
Indian Air Force: The military service branch of the Indian Armed Forces where the transition of command occurred.
Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan: The predecessor who superannuated from the position of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command.
Ministry of Defence
AIR MARSHAL TARUN CHAUDHRY ASSUMES
THE APPOINTMENT OF AIR OFFICER
COMMANDING-IN-CHIEF, CENTRAL AIR
COMMAND
Posted On: 01 JUN 2026 4:37PM by PIB Delhi
Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry, AVSM, VSM assumed the appointment of Air Officer Commanding-in-
Chief, Central Air Command on 01 Jun 2026. He was commissioned into the Fighter stream of the Indian
Air Force in December 1989. He is an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff
College, College of Air Warfare and National Defence College.
During his distinguished career, the Air Marshal has held several important Operational. Staff and
Diplomatic appointments including Defence Attache at the Embassy of India in Sweden with concurrent
accredition to Norway, Finland and Denmark. He has also undertaken key staff assignments at HQ IDS
and Air HQ, specialising in the domains of Projects, Acquisition and Human Resource Management.
The Air Marshal has spearheaded several transformative projects aimed at capability enhancement and
induction of future technologies in the IAF. Prior to taking charge of Central Air Command, the Air
Marshal was holding the appointment of Senior Air Staff Officer, HQ Southern Air Command.
Air Mshl Tarun Chaudhry succeeds Air Mshl Balakrishnan Manikantan PVSM, AVSM, VM, who
superannuated on 31 May 26, after 40 years of distinguished and devoted service to the nation.***
JS/VK/GK
(Release ID: 2267533) Visitor Counter : 20812
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