Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Takes Command of IAF; Salutes Family
Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumes office as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, honoring his family and embracing sustainable mobility.
In a poignant blend of military tradition and personal gratitude, Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit began his tenure as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) with a heartfelt gesture. After laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi on Saturday, the newly appointed chief paused to salute his mother, Ms Nirmala Dixit, and his mother-in-law, Ms Kamla Pandey, acknowledging the familial support behind his ascent to the highest rank in the Indian Air Force.
A New Era for the Indian Air Force
Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, PVSM, AVSM, VM, VSM, officially assumed charge on October 31, 2026. He succeeds Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, PSM, AVSM, who retired after a distinguished career spanning 42 years of service to the nation.
Beyond the formal ceremonies, the new chief is already signaling a shift toward sustainability. In a move embracing the future of greener transportation, Air Chief Marshal Dixit has switched to an electric vehicle (EV), leading by example in the transition toward sustainable mobility.
A Legacy of Flight and Modernization
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Air Chief Marshal Dixit was commissioned into the Fighter Stream of the IAF on December 6, 1986. Over a career spanning four decades, he has evolved into one of the force's most versatile officers, with expertise in Operations, Flight Testing, Capability Development, and Joint Staff assignments.
As an accomplished Fighter Pilot, Qualified Flying Instructor, and Experimental Test Pilot, he boasts an impressive record of over 3,300 flying hours. His experience covers a vast array of aircraft, including:
- Mirage-2000
- Various MiG variants
- Jaguar
- Multiple transport aircraft
Driving Technological Advancement
Air Chief Marshal Dixit is widely credited for his pivotal role in the modernization of the IAF. He was instrumental in the upgrade projects for the Jaguar and MiG-27. Furthermore, he played a key role in the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) and Final Operational Clearance (FOC) activities for the LCA Mk-I Tejas, a cornerstone of India's indigenous aviation efforts.
Distinguished Career Path
His journey to the top has been marked by high-stakes operational commands and strategic leadership roles. His previous assignments include:
- Commanding a Mirage-2000 Squadron.
- Leading a Forward Base Support Unit in the Western Sector.
- Commanding Air Force Station Bidar, the IAF's premier fighter training base.
- Serving as Air Defence Commander at Southern Air Command and Senior Air Staff Officer at South Western Air Command.
- Acting as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, where he steered critical procurement and capability initiatives.
- Commanding Central Air Command as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief.
- Serving as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee during Operation Sindoor.
Immediately prior to his appointment as CAS, he served as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
Academic and Military Honors
The Air Chief is a graduate of the National Defence College in New Delhi and the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Bangladesh. In recognition of his exceptional service and dedication to the country, he has been decorated with several prestigious awards, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, and the Vayu Sena Medal.