Air Marshal B Manikantan Addresses Techkriti-26 at IIT Kanpur; Calls for Academia-IAF Synergy
Kanpur March 22, 2026: Air Marshal B Manikantan, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Central Air Command, visited the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur to grace Techkriti-26, the institute’s renowned annual technical and entrepreneurial festival. Delivering a compelling keynote address titled “Adapting to Win: Shaping a Technology-Driven Force,” the Air Marshal underscored the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) strategic focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies to maintain operational superiority amidst an increasingly dynamic global security environment.
He detailed how the IAF is evolving into a more agile and tech-heavy force, emphasizing that modern warfare is as much about digital dominance as it is about physical presence.During his address, Air Marshal Manikantan made a passionate call to action, encouraging the student community to become active stakeholders in achieving an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) within the defense sector.
He highlighted the critical importance of synergy between premier academic institutions and the Defence Forces, noting that indigenous innovation is the cornerstone of future national security. The session concluded with vibrant interactions, where students engaged with the AOC-in-C on topics ranging from aerospace engineering to AI-driven defense systems.
This visit reaffirms the IAF’s commitment to fostering a future-ready force through deep-rooted collaboration with academia and the tech industry.