Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Takes Charge as 29th Chief of the Indian Air Force

Veteran Fighter Pilot and Experienced Military Strategist Succeeds Air Chief Marshal AP Singh; Brings Decades of Operational, Command and Strategic Experience to the Top Air Force Post

New Delhi : Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on October 31, 2026, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh.

Prior to his appointment as the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Dixit served as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS). He was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986.

His elevation to the country’s highest air force position marks a new chapter in his distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades.

Key Highlights of Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit’s Career

1. Nearly Four Decades of Service: Born on December 9, 1966, Air Chief Marshal Dixit has served the Indian Air Force for almost 40 years, bringing extensive experience in combat operations, flight testing, capability development and strategic defence planning.

2. Extensive Flying Experience: He has logged more than 3,500 hours of flying on several aircraft, including:

• Mirage-2000

• MiG variants

• Jaguar

• Tejas Light Combat Aircraft

• Kiran

• IL-78

• Hawk

He is both a Qualified Flying Instructor and an Experimental Test Pilot.

3. Important Operational Assignments: During his distinguished career, he has been associated with several significant military operations and exercises, including:

• Operation Safed Sagar

• Operation Rakshak

• Operation Sindoor

He served as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) during Operation Sindoor.

4. Key Command and Leadership Positions: Before becoming the Chief of the Air Staff, he held several important appointments, including:

• Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS).

• Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC).

• Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command.

• Deputy Chief of the Air Staff.

• Air Defence Commander, Southern Air Command.

• Senior Air Staff Officer, South Western Air Command.

He has also commanded a Mirage-2000 Squadron, a Forward Base Support Unit in the Western Sector and Air Force Station Bidar, a major fighter training establishment in the Southern Sector.

5. Contribution to Indigenous Defence Capabilities: Air Chief Marshal Dixit has played an important role in strengthening India’s indigenous aviation capabilities. His contributions include finalising the Jaguar and MiG-27 upgrade projects and supporting the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) and Final Operational Clearance (FOC) activities of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) MK-I Tejas.

6. Academic and Professional Qualifications: He is an alumnus of:

• National Defence Academy (NDA).

• Defence Services Command and Staff College, Bangladesh.

• National Defence College, New Delhi.

7. Distinguished Military Honours: In recognition of his exemplary service and contribution to the nation, he has received four prestigious military decorations:

Leadership at a Crucial Phase for the Indian Air Force

Air Chief Marshal Dixit assumes leadership at a significant time for the Indian Air Force, as it continues to pursue modernisation, strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing, upgrade combat capabilities and prepare for emerging security challenges.

His experience in fighter operations, aircraft testing, indigenous aviation programmes and joint defence planning will be relevant as the IAF advances its long-term capability development and technological modernisation priorities.

His appointment marks the beginning of a new phase in the leadership of the Indian Air Force, with a continued focus on operational preparedness, technological advancement and strengthening India’s aerial defence capabilities.