Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Takes Command as IAF Chief
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the new Chief of the Indian Air Force, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh.
Air Marshal Dixit has over 3,500 flying hours and extensive operational experience.
He will assume the role of Chief of Air Staff on October 31, 2026.
Dixit has received multiple military honors, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force (IAF), as announced by the government on Tuesday. He currently serves as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff and will take over the position from Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who is set to retire on October 31, 2026. Dixit will be the 29th head of the IAF and will hold the rank of Air Chief Marshal.
Born on December 9, 1966, Dixit was commissioned into the IAF on December 6, 1986, and has since accumulated over 3,500 hours of flight time across various aircraft, including the Mirage-2000 and MiG variants. His career has encompassed a diverse range of roles, including operational, instructional, and senior command positions. Notably, he is also an Experimental Test Pilot and a Qualified Flying Instructor, showcasing his dual expertise in both frontline operations and aircraft testing.
Throughout his distinguished career, Air Marshal Dixit has played a significant role in several major military operations, including Operation Safed Sagar and Operation Rakshak. Prior to his current role, he served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee and was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command, a vital operational command within the IAF.
The government has highlighted Dixit's contributions in various capacities, which have notably enhanced the operational capabilities of the IAF. His service has been recognized with multiple military honors, including the Vayu Sena Medal in 2006, the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011, and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2023. He is set to receive the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026, one of India's highest military decorations for distinguished service.
As he steps into this leadership role, Air Marshal Dixit will oversee a transformative phase for the IAF, which is focused on modernizing its combat fleet and enhancing capabilities in air defense, unmanned warfare, and counter-drone operations. Strengthening coordination among the three armed services will also be a priority, as the IAF aims to play a pivotal role in India's integrated military operations.
