S. Neelakantan

Career Neelakantan was commissioned as a fighter pilot in Indian Air Force in December 1977. He is an alumnus of National Defence Academy and Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE). He is a recipient of Presidential awards Param Vishisht Seva Medal the Yudh Seva Medal and the Vayu Sena Medal.

A flight instructor and Fighter Combat Leader, he has flown over 3100 hours on various types of aircraft, and commanded a frontline fighter squadron and two flying bases. During 2006–07, he led the IAF contingent in Congo as part of the United Nations Peace Keeping Force.

He served as Director General of Inspection & Safety at Air Headquarters from 1 July 2014 to 1 February 2015. He also served as Air Officer in charge Personnel (AOP) at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan) from 2 February 2015 to 31 July 2016. the Yudh Seva Medal and the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).