The government has appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, currently serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, as the next Chief of the Air Staff. He will become the Indian Air Force’s 29th chief in the rank of Air Chief Marshal from the afternoon of October 31, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who is set to retire the same day. Dixit, who has played a role in advancing indigenous aircraft programmes, is expected to further the government’s push for self-reliance in defence production and capability.
New Air Chief
Air Marshal Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, the Defence Services Staff College in Bangladesh and the National Defence College. He has more than 3,500 hours of flying experience.
During his career, Dixit has held several important operational and staff appointments. As Commanding Officer, he re-equipped No. 9 Squadron with Mirage-2000 aircraft before commanding a frontline fighter base in the Western Sector and a premier fighter training base in the Southern Sector.
He later served as Air Defence Commander of Southern Air Command and held key positions at Air Headquarters, including Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Projects) and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans).
Focus On Indigenous Defence
Dixit is known for his involvement in promoting the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and other domestic aircraft projects within the Air Force. His appointment comes as the government continues to emphasise Aatmanirbharta, or self-reliance, in the defence sector.
As Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Dixit has been involved in senior-level operational and organisational responsibilities within the IAF. His experience across fighter operations, air defence, training and aircraft projects will shape his tenure as the service’s next chief.
The Ministry of Defence said Dixit has been recognised for distinguished service with several military honours. He received the Vayu Sena Medal in 2006, the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2023 and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026.
Dixit will formally assume charge after Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh superannuates on October 31, completing the transition to the new leadership of the Indian Air Force.
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