Southern Air Command (SAC) was established in July 1984 in response to certain geopolitical developments to ensure effective command and control over Indian Air Force assets and combat forces in the event of evolving threats in the Indian Ocean region. To facilitate quick deployment.
In a recent redeployment of IAF assets, a helicopter unit was inducted at Air Force Station Thanjavur on 19 Mar 24. Air Marshal B Manikantan AVSM VM, AOC-in-C SAC was present during the induction ceremony. The induction of the helicopter unit at Thanjavur will enhance operational capabilities as well as ensure availability of adequate resources at Headquarters SAC to carry out peacetime operations of Search and Rescue, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and casualty evacuation.