Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Takes Command as New Chief of Air Staff

Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has taken charge as the new Chief of the Air Staff, succeeding A.P. Singh. With a career spanning over 40 years, Dixit brings extensive experience in various operational roles within the Indian Air Force. He is recognized for his contributions to modernizing the force and has commanded several key units. Dixit's accolades include multiple prestigious medals for his distinguished service. This leadership change marks a significant moment for the Indian Air Force as it continues to evolve.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 31, 2026, 16:40 IST

New Leadership in the Indian Air Force

File image of Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit(Photo: @NewsIADN/X)

New Delhi, Oct 31: On Saturday, Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit officially took over as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, following the retirement of Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, who dedicated 42 years to serving the nation.

Air Chief Marshal Dixit, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, began his journey in the Fighter Stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986.

With a career that spans four decades, he brings extensive experience in various fields, including Operations, Flight Testing, Capability Development, and Joint Staff roles.

According to a statement from the Indian Air Force (IAF), he is a skilled Fighter Pilot, Qualified Flying Instructor, and Experimental Test Pilot, boasting over 3,300 flying hours on numerous aircraft types, such as the Mirage-2000, various MiG models, Jaguar, and several transport planes.

Air Chief Marshal Dixit is well-regarded for his pivotal role in modernizing the Indian Air Force, having played a key part in the Jaguar and MiG-27 upgrade projects, as well as overseeing the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) and Final Operational Clearance (FOC) for the LCA Mk-I Tejas.

His command experience includes leading a Mirage-2000 Squadron, managing a Forward Base Support Unit in the Western Sector, and overseeing Air Force Station Bidar, a leading fighter training facility.

He has also held significant positions such as Air Defence Commander at Southern Air Command, Senior Air Staff Officer at South Western Air Command, and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, where he directed crucial capability development and procurement efforts.

Before becoming Chief of the Air Staff, he commanded the Central Air Command as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief and served as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee during Operation Sindoor.

Air Chief Marshal Dixit is a distinguished graduate of the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Bangladesh and the National Defence College in New Delhi. His exemplary service has earned him several accolades, including the Vayu Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and Param Vishisht Seva Medal.