Air Marshal Neelakantan takes charge as SAC Commanding-in- Chief

01 August, New Delhi

Air Marshal S Neelakantan assumed charge as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Air Command (SAC). The traditional Guard of Honour was presented to him by the Air Warriors.

Air Marshal S Neelakantan was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force on December 28, 1977.

He is an alumni of National Defence Academy (NDA), Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Tactics and Combat Development Establishment.

He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and has flown over 3100 hrs on various types of aircrafts. He has commanded a frontline fighter squadron and two flying bases.

He led the IAF contingent in Congo as part of the UN Mission in 2006-07. The Air Officer also held important staff and instructional appointments.

He is decorated with the presidential awards Yudh Seva Medal and Vayu Sena Medal.