The Indian Air Force is set to get a new chief later this month, with the government appointing Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the next Chief of the Air Staff. Currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Dixit will take charge as the 29th Chief of the Indian Air Force in the rank of Air Chief Marshal on October 31, 2026, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who retires on the same day.
The appointment comes as the Indian Air Force continues to navigate a rapidly changing security environment while working towards modernising its combat capabilities, strengthening air defence and expanding the use of emerging technologies and indigenous defence systems.
From Fighter Pilot to Air Chief
Born on December 9, 1966, Ashutosh Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986. His career has now spanned nearly four decades, taking him from the cockpit of fighter aircraft to some of the IAF’s most senior operational and strategic positions.
Dixit is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, the Defence Services Staff College in Bangladesh and the National Defence College. He is also an Experimental Test Pilot and a Qualified Flying Instructor, with more than 3,500 hours of flying experience.
His flying experience covers a wide range of aircraft, including the Mirage-2000, various MiG aircraft, Kiran, Jaguar, IL-78, Hawk and India’s indigenous Tejas fighter. His association with different generations of aircraft has given him experience spanning both traditional fighter operations and newer platforms being inducted into the Indian defence ecosystem.
Experience Across Major Operations
Over his long career, Dixit has been associated with several important operations and military exercises. His operational experience includes Operation Safed Sagar, the Indian Air Force’s aerial campaign during the Kargil conflict, as well as Operation Rakshak and Operation Sindoor. He has also participated in exercises such as Cope India.
His command experience has been equally extensive. As a commanding officer, he was involved in re-equipping a squadron with Mirage-2000 aircraft. He later commanded a frontline fighter air base in the Western Sector and a major fighter training base in the Southern Sector.
His career also included roles at the Air Force Test Pilots School, where he served as directing staff, as well as senior positions dealing with air staff requirements, planning and projects. These assignments gave him exposure not only to flying operations but also to the planning and technological requirements of a modern air force.
From Operational Command to Strategic Leadership
Dixit’s career gradually expanded from operational command into higher defence management. He served as Air Defence Commander of Southern Air Command, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff for Projects and Plans, Senior Air Staff Officer at South Western Air Command and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff at Air Headquarters.
Before becoming Vice Chief, he served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command and subsequently as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee. His experience in a tri-services role gave him exposure to joint planning and coordination between the Army, Navy and Air Force.
On July 1, 2026, Dixit took over as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, succeeding Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor. His appointment as Vice Chief came just months before he was selected to lead the entire service.
Focus on Indigenous Technology and Modernisation
One of the defining aspects of Dixit’s recent career has been his involvement with modernisation and indigenous defence technology. He has been closely associated with India’s Light Combat Aircraft Tejas programme and other indigenous aircraft projects, and has pushed for greater adoption of emerging technologies within the IAF.
In September 2026, as Vice Chief, he inaugurated the first IAF Dronathon-2026 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range. The initiative brought together defence companies, start-ups, MSMEs, public-sector defence organisations and innovators working on unmanned systems, reflecting the increasing importance of drones and autonomous technologies in modern warfare.
His record therefore combines extensive operational flying experience with exposure to technology, planning, jointness and higher defence management.
A Career Recognised With Military Honours
Dixit’s service has been recognised with several major military decorations. 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.
With his appointment taking effect on October 31, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit will assume responsibility for leading the Indian Air Force at a time when air power is undergoing significant technological and operational transformation. His experience as a fighter pilot, test pilot, instructor, operational commander and senior tri-services officer brings together several dimensions of modern military leadership.
As he takes over as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, the focus will be on maintaining operational readiness while continuing the IAF’s efforts towards modernisation, indigenous capability, jointness and the integration of new technologies into India’s air power.