Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann Takes Charge as Southern Air

Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann, AVSM, VSM appointed as the new Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Southern Air Command (SAC). He was appointed by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and assumed the charge on 1st of July, 2026 at the Southern Air Command Headquarters in the Thiruvananthapuram. He was accorded with a ceremonial Guard of Honour and he will succeeds the Air Marshal Manish Khanna who was retired on 30th June, 2026 after a long career.

Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann Assumes Command

Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann officially taken the charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Air Command on 1st of  July 2026.

He will be in charge of Indian Air Force’s one of the major operational commands, that is responsible for the safeguarding India’s southern airspace and maritime interests.

He succeeds the Air Marshal Manish Khanna, who has completed nearly 40 years of the distinguished service before retiring on 30th June, 2026.

Career and Professional Background

Air Marshal Mann was commissioned in the fighter stream of Indian Air Force on 16th December 1989.

Over a course of his career, he has built the extensive operational and leadership experience across the multiple commands and strategic appointments.

He is,

• A Pilot Attack Instructor.
• A graduate of the Defence Services Staff College.
• A graduate of the Higher Air Command Course.
• A postgraduate from the Royal College of Defence Studies in London (United Kingdom).

Extensive Flying Experience

Air Marshal Mann also have accumulated more than 3,000 flying hours on a wide range of the fighter and combat aircraft.

Aircraft flown by him includes the,

• Apache
• MiG-21
• Jaguar
• MiG-29
• Su-30
• Rafale

Key Command and Staff Appointments

During his long distinguished career, Air Marshal Mann has also held several important command and staff positions.

These includes the,

• Commanding a fighter squadron.
• Air Officer Commanding of a premier fighter base.
• Air Defence Commander.
• Senior Officer-in-Charge of Administration at an operational command.
• Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations – Offensive).
• Director General (Weapon Systems) at Air Headquarters, New Delhi.

Before assuming his current role, he also served as the Senior Air Staff Officer at Western Air Command.

Awards and Honours

Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann has been awarded with the several recognition for his services in Indian Air Force,

• Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM)
• Vayu Sena Medal (VSM)

These prestigious military honours acknowledge his distinguished and exceptional service to the nation.