Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit named next Air Force chief; to take over on October 31
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, a fighter pilot with more than 3,500 hours of flying experience, has been appointed as the next Chief of the Air Staff, the government announced on Tuesday.
Currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Dixit will become the 29th Chief of the Indian Air Force and will assume the rank of Air Chief Marshal.
He will succeed Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who is due to retire on October 31, 2026.
From Mirage-2000 to Tejas
Born on December 9, 1966, Air Marshal Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986.
Over nearly four decades, he has held a range of operational, instructional and senior command appointments.
His flying experience spans several aircraft, including the Mirage-2000, MiG variants, Jaguar, Kiran, IL-78, Hawk and Tejas.
He is also an Experimental Test Pilot and Qualified Flying Instructor, giving him experience both in frontline operations and in evaluating aircraft and their capabilities.
Served in major operations
During his career, Air Marshal Dixit has been associated with several major operations and exercises, including Operation Sated Sagar, Operation Rakshak and Operation Sindoor.
Before becoming Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff.
He had earlier served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command, one of the IAF's key operational commands.
The government said his service in various appointments had contributed to strengthening the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
Decorated career
Air Marshal Dixit's service has been recognised with several military honours.
He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 2006, followed by the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2023.
He was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026, one of India's highest military decorations for distinguished service.
He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College.
Modernising India's air power
Air Marshal Dixit will take charge at a time when the Indian Air Force is undergoing a major transformation.
Modernisation of the combat fleet, strengthening air-defence capabilities and expanding unmanned warfare, counter-drone and network-centric operations are expected to remain key priorities.
Closer integration among the three armed forces is also likely to feature prominently on his agenda as India pushes towards greater jointness and integrated military operations.
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