-Vice Chief of the Air Staff to assume charge as Air Chief Marshal on October 31; Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh to retire the same day
New Delhi: The Government of India has appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, PVSM, AVSM, VM, VSM, presently serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS).
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Defence, Air Marshal Dixit will assume the appointment in the rank of Air Chief Marshal with effect from the afternoon of October 31, 2026.
The appointment will coincide with the superannuation of the present Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who is scheduled to retire from service on October 31, 2026.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is a highly experienced fighter pilot and senior officer of the Indian Air Force. His appointment as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff places him at the helm of the IAF at a time when the force is pursuing major modernisation and capability-development programmes.
As Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Dixit has been closely associated with the IAF’s operational preparedness, capability enhancement and modernisation priorities. His experience is expected to be particularly relevant as the Indian Air Force continues its transition towards a more technology-intensive, network-centric and multi-domain force.
The IAF is currently focused on strengthening its capabilities across fighter aircraft, air defence, unmanned systems, precision weapons, surveillance, electronic warfare, space-enabled capabilities and indigenous defence technologies.
Leadership transition at a critical juncture
The change of command comes at an important phase for the Indian Air Force, with a strong emphasis on Aatmanirbhar Bharat, indigenous defence production and the induction of next-generation platforms and systems.
The IAF is also working towards enhancing its ability to operate effectively across increasingly complex security environments through greater jointness, interoperability and integration among the three Services.
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who has served as the 28th Chief of the Air Staff, will demit office on October 31, marking the end of his tenure as the head of the Indian Air Force.
The appointment of Air Marshal Dixit as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff will usher in the next phase of leadership for the Indian Air Force as it continues to strengthen its operational capabilities and pursue long-term modernisation and indigenisation objectives.