Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, PVSM, AVSM, VM, VSM, assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force on October 31, 2026, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. His appointment marks an important transition in the leadership of the Indian Air Force, bringing an experienced fighter pilot, military strategist and aviation professional to its highest leadership position.
Born on December 9, 1966, Air Chief Marshal Dixit has built an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades. His professional journey reflects extensive experience in fighter operations, flight testing, aircraft development, military planning and defence modernisation. Over the years, he has held several important command and staff appointments, contributing to strengthening the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
An alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), Air Chief Marshal Dixit was commissioned into the Fighter Stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986. He is an accomplished fighter pilot, Qualified Flying Instructor and Experimental Test Pilot, with more than 3,500 hours of flying experience across a wide range of aircraft. These include the Mirage-2000, various MiG variants, Jaguar, Kiran, IL-78, Hawk and the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
His career has involved participation in significant military operations, including Operation Safed Sagar, Operation Rakshak and Operation Sindoor. Operation Safed Sagar was the Indian Air Force’s aerial campaign during the 1999 Kargil conflict, while Operation Rakshak involved counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir. His association with Operation Sindoor came during his tenure as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee.
Air Chief Marshal Dixit has also held several operational command responsibilities. He commanded a Mirage-2000 squadron, a Forward Base Support Unit in the Western Sector and Air Force Station Bidar, an important fighter training establishment. His other appointments include Air Defence Commander at Southern Air Command, Senior Air Staff Officer at South Western Air Command and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command.
A significant aspect of his career has been his contribution to India’s indigenous defence and aviation programmes. He played an important role in finalising the Jaguar and MiG-27 aircraft upgrade projects and was instrumental in completing the Initial Operational Clearance and Final Operational Clearance activities for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-I Tejas. His experience in aircraft development and modernisation has contributed to the Indian Air Force’s efforts towards enhancing self-reliance in defence technology.
Before assuming his current position, he served as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff and earlier held the appointment of Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee. His professional education includes the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Bangladesh and the National Defence College in New Delhi.
In recognition of his distinguished service and contributions to the nation, he has received several prestigious military decorations, including the Vayu Sena Medal in 2006, Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2023 and Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026.
Air Chief Marshal Dixit assumes leadership at a crucial time for the Indian Air Force, which is focusing on modernisation, strengthening combat capabilities, technological advancement and expanding indigenous defence manufacturing. Enhancing operational preparedness, developing advanced aircraft platforms and improving integration among India’s three armed services remain important priorities for the country’s defence establishment.
As the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit takes forward the responsibility of leading one of India’s most important defence institutions. His appointment brings together decades of operational experience, technical expertise and strategic leadership at a time when the Indian Air Force continues to evolve to meet emerging national security challenges.