November 1, 2015: Air Marshal Virender Mohan Khanna assumes the responsibilities of Air Officer-in-charge Maintenance (AOM) at Air Headquarters, New Delhi today.

The Air Marshal was commissioned in the Mechanical stream of Aeronautical Engineering branch in IAF on 25 July 1977. He is a graduate from Regional Engineering College, Kurukshetra and post graduate in Industrial Engineering and Management from IIT, Kharagpur. He is an also an alumnus of the prestigious Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. Additionally, he also acquired post graduate diploma in Journalism and Human Rights.

During his career spanning 38 years, the officer has held important appointments of Director General (Aircraft) and Assistance Chief of Air Staff Engg (Transport and Helicopters) at Air HQ, Senior Maintenance Staff Officer and Chief Engineering Officer at HQ Eastern Air Command. The officer has also served at various Base Repair Depots as Chief of Aircraft, Chief of Production and Planning and Commanding Officer. He was instrumental in successful induction of large number of MI-17 V5 helicopters, Hawk AJT and Pilatus aircraft.

Air Marshal had led a team of IAF Pilots and Maintenance Officers which trained pilots and engineers of Botswana Defence Force thus strengthening Indo-Africa ties. Air Marshal has served as Flight Engineer and flown MI-8, MI-17 and MI-26, the largest helicopters in the world based at Chandigarh.

An avid sportsman, Air Marshal was also the member of two Indian Expeditions to Antarctica where IAF played a pivotal role in setting up Indian permanent Bases Dakshin Gangotri and Maitri.

Air Marshal has been decorated by President of India with Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.

Photo Credit: PRO (Air Force)