Governor Visited Southern Air Command

Hon'ble Governor of Kerala, Shri Arif Mohammed Khan, visited Headquarters Southern Air Command (SAC) on 6 Nov 2023.  This is the maiden visit by the Hon'ble Governor to HQ SAC, which coincides with its 40th Anniversary celebrations. On arrival he was received by Air Marshal B Manikantan AVSM VM, AOC-in-C SAC and reviewed an impressive Guard of Honour.  Air Marshal SRK Nair (Retd), Honarary Admin member of Armed Forces Tribunal, Kochi was also present on the occasion.

The Hon'ble Governor was briefed about the roles, tasks and maritime air operations undertaken by the youngest operational command of the IAF. SAC's sustained contributions in providing humanitarian assistance in peninsular India in times of need was highlighted. He was apprised about the participation of Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and Sarang Helicopter Aerobatic Display Team, equipped with the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), in the upcoming Dubai Air Show. They will demonstrate India's indigenous capabilities in defence production and the IAF's continuous drive towards 'Atmanirbharta.

The Hon'ble Governor interacted with Air Warriors and addressed them on the *Relevance of Indian Thought in the Present Day Context". He emphasized the need to preserve and learn from our rich traditions and civilizational values, which are knowledge based and have thus stood the test of time. He averred that as India's stature in the world grows, our strategic aspirations and trajectory should be based on the strength of our philosophical moorings.

He lauded the efforts of the IAF in safeguarding Indian airspace and conveyed his feelings of pride and gratitude to uniformed personnel for their diligence in discharging their duty to the nation.