New Delhi: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the new Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Government of India approved his appointment, and he will take charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on October 31, 2026. He will succeed Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who is set to retire on the same day.
The appointment is an important leadership change for the Indian Air Force at a time when the force is focusing on modernization, indigenous aircraft development, and strengthening national security.
Who Is Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986. Over the years, he has built a distinguished career as a fighter pilot, military leader, and aviation expert. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Defence Services Staff College in Bangladesh, and the National Defence College.
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More Than 3, 500 Flying Hours
Air Marshal Dixit is an Experimental Test Pilot and a Qualified Flying Instructor. He has logged more than 3,500 flying hours on several aircraft, including Mirage-2000, MiG variants, Jaguar, Hawk, Tejas, IL-78, An-32, Avro, Kiran, and HPT-32 aircraft. His long flying career has given him extensive operational and technical experience, making him one of the most experienced officers in the Indian Air Force.
Key Roles Held By Air Marshal Dixit
During his career, Air Marshal Dixit has served in several important operational and leadership positions. Some of his major appointments include:
- Vice Chief of the Air Staff
- Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC)
- Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command
- Deputy Chief of the Air Staff
- Senior Air Staff Officer, South Western Air Command
- Air Defence Commander, Southern Air Command
His experience spans operational flying, strategic planning, force modernization, and joint military operations.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is a Strong Supporter Of Indigenous Defence Projects
Air Marshal Dixit is widely recognized for supporting indigenous defence programs, especially the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas project and other Indian aircraft development initiatives.
Defence observers expect him to continue promoting the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision in the defence sector. His leadership is likely to support the future growth of Tejas aircraft programs and other indigenous aviation projects.
Participation In Major Military Operations
Throughout his service, Air Marshal Dixit has participated in several important operations and exercises, including:
- Operation Safed Sagar
- Operation Rakshak
- Operation Sindoor
- Cope India exercises
These experiences have contributed significantly to his operational and leadership credentials.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Appointment Details
According to the official notification approved by the President of India, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit will assume the rank of Air Chief Marshal from the afternoon of October 31, 2026. His tenure is scheduled to continue until December 31, 2028.
With his extensive experience, technical expertise, and support for indigenous defence capabilities, Air Marshal Dixit is expected to play a major role in shaping the future of the Indian Air Force.
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FAQs
He has logged more than 3,500 flying hours on multiple aircraft, including Mirage-2000, MiG variants, Jaguar, Hawk, and Tejas.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force and will take charge on October 31, 2026.
He is known for his support of indigenous defence projects such as the LCA Tejas program and for holding several senior leadership roles in the Indian Air Force.
