New Delhi: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit became the 29th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on October 31, 2026. He will take charge in the rank of Air Chief Marshal, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who is retiring on the same day.
The Government of India announced his appointment on October 6, 2026. His appointment marks an important leadership change for the Indian Air Force.
Government Announces Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Appointment
The Ministry of Defence announced Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit’s appointment as the next Chief of the Air Staff on October 6, 2026.
Read also: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit: From Fighter Cockpit to Chief of the Indian Air Force
He is currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff. He will officially take over the top position from the afternoon of October 31, 2026.
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the current Chief of the Air Staff, will complete his service and retire on the same day. The leadership change comes as the Indian Air Force continues to focus on modernisation, operational readiness and strengthening its defence capabilities.
Who Is Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was born on December 9, 1966. He joined the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986.
He has nearly four decades of experience in the Indian Air Force. During his long career, he has held several important operational and leadership positions. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Defence Services Command and Staff College in Bangladesh, and the National Defence College.
Before becoming Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command and Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee.
More Than 3,500 Hours Of Flying Experience
Air Marshal Dixit has more than 3,500 hours of flying experience on different military aircraft. His flying experience includes several important aircraft used by the Indian Air Force, such as:
- Mirage-2000
- MiG aircraft variants
- Kiran
- Jaguar
- IL-78
- Hawk
- Indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft
He is also an Experimental Test Pilot and a Qualified Flying Instructor. These qualifications and his extensive flying experience give him a strong understanding of fighter aircraft operations, testing and pilot training.
Experience In Major Military Operations
During his nearly 40-year military career, Air Marshal Dixit has participated in several important military operations and exercises. Some of the major operations include:
Operation Safed Sagar: He was associated with the Indian Air Force’s operations during the 1999 Kargil War.
Operation Rakshak: This operation involved the Indian Armed Forces’ counter-insurgency efforts.
Operation Sindoor: He has also been associated with this important military operation.
He has additionally commanded a frontline fighter air base in the Western Sector and a major fighter training base in the Southern Sector. His experience across different operational areas is expected to support his leadership of the Indian Air Force.
Military Awards And Recognitions
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has received several prestigious military awards for his distinguished service. His major awards include:
- Vayu Sena Medal (2006): Recognition of distinguished service in the Indian Air Force.
- Vishisht Seva Medal (2011): Awarded for distinguished service of a high order.
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2023): Recognition of exceptionally distinguished service.
- Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2026): One of India’s highest peacetime military service awards.
These awards recognise his contribution to the Indian Air Force and the country’s defence services.
Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia To Become The Next Vice Chief
The leadership transition also includes a change in the position of Vice Chief of the Air Staff. According to the Ministry of Defence, Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of the Air Staff, effective November 1, 2026.
He is currently serving as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Air Command. Air Marshal Walia will take over from Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit after the latter assumes the position of Chief of the Air Staff.
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FAQs
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit will assume office as the Chief of the Air Staff from the afternoon of October 31, 2026.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is appointed as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force. He will take charge on October 31, 2026.
Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia will become the next Vice Chief of the Air Staff from November 1, 2026. He currently serves as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Air Command.
