The Centre has appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the next Chief of the Air Staff. He will take charge as the 29th chief of the Indian Air Force on October 31, 2026.
Dixit will succeed Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who is scheduled to retire on the same day. He will take charge of the Indian Air Force after being elevated to the rank of Air Chief Marshal.
At present, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff. His tenure as the IAF chief is expected to continue until December 31, 2028.
Extensive flying experience
Air Marshal Dixit is an experienced fighter pilot, experimental test pilot and qualified flying instructor. He has logged more than 3,500 hours of flying experience during his career.
He has flown several aircraft, including the Mirage-2000, Jaguar, MiG variants and the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas. He has also commanded a Mirage-2000 squadron and held several important operational and administrative positions in the Air Force.
His experience with fighter operations and aircraft testing is expected to play an important role as the IAF works to strengthen its combat capabilities and modernise its fleet.
Role in key operations
Dixit has participated in important military operations, including Operation Safed Sagar during the Kargil conflict and Operation Rakshak.
He has also been associated with efforts to promote indigenous defence production and strengthen the use of Indian-made military platforms. His appointment comes at a time when the Indian Air Force is focusing on fleet modernisation, the induction of newer aircraft and improved operational preparedness.
As the new IAF chief, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit will oversee the force’s operational planning, modernisation programmes and efforts to enhance its capabilities across India’s western and northern fronts.
