Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Takes Charge as IAF Chief
Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumes office as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, succeeding Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.
In a significant leadership transition for India's aerial defense, Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit officially assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on October 31, 2026. He takes over the helm from Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who has retired following a distinguished career spanning 42 years of service to the nation.
A Legacy of Excellence in the Skies
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit began his journey in the Fighter Stream of the IAF on December 6, 1986. Over the course of four decades, he has built an extensive portfolio across various critical domains, including Operations, Flight Testing, Joint Staff assignments, and Capability Development.
As a highly skilled Fighter Pilot, Experimental Test Pilot, and Qualified Flying Instructor, he brings a wealth of technical expertise to the role. His flying record is formidable, with over 3,300 hours of experience across a diverse fleet of aircraft, including:
- Mirage-2000
- Various MiG variants
- Jaguar
- Multiple transport aircraft
Driving Modernization and Indigenous Growth
Air Chief Marshal Dixit is widely credited for his pivotal role in upgrading the IAF's combat capabilities. He was a key figure in finalizing the upgrade projects for the Jaguar and MiG-27 aircraft. Furthermore, he played a crucial role in the development of India's indigenous fighter capabilities, overseeing the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) and Final Operational Clearance (FOC) activities for the LCA Mk-I Tejas.
A Distinguished Command Journey
Throughout his career, the new Air Chief has held several high-profile command and staff appointments that have prepared him for the top job:
- Operational Commands: He has commanded a Mirage-2000 Squadron, a Forward Base Support Unit in the Western Sector, and Air Force Station Bidar, which serves as a premier fighter training base.
- Strategic Leadership: He served as the Air Defence Commander at Southern Air Command and as the Senior Air Staff Officer at South Western Air Command.
- Policy and Procurement: As the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, he steered essential procurement initiatives and capability development.
- Higher Command: He previously led the Central Air Command as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief and served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee during Operation Sindoor.
Immediately prior to his appointment as the Chief of the Air Staff, he served as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
Academic Credentials and Honors
Air Chief Marshal Dixit's professional growth is backed by elite military education. He 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 honored with several prestigious awards, including:
- Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM)
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM)
- Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM)
- Vayu Sena Medal (VM)