Thanjavur Air Force Station Welcomes New Helicopter Unit

A helicopter unit has been added to the Air Force Station in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. This addition aims to strengthen the Southern Air Command's (SAC) operational capabilities and address peacetime responsibilities. The induction ceremony took place on 19 March, with Air Marshal B Manikantan, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Air Command, in attendance.

The SAC, headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, was established in July 1984 by the defence ministry. It was set up in response to certain geopolitical developments to ensure effective command and control of IAF assets and to facilitate quick deployment of combat forces in the event of threats arising in the Indian Ocean Region.

The induction of the helicopter unit at Thanjavur will ensure the availability of sufficient resources for HQ SAC to enhance operational capabilities and meet the peacetime tasks of Search and Rescue, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HAD), and casualty evacuation.