Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Appointed Next Indian Air Force Chief

The government has named Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the 29th chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The defence ministry announced the decision on Tuesday, 6th October, 2026.

New IAF Chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit to Take Over Charge from October 31, 2026

Air Marshal Dixit will succeed Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who retires on 31 October 2026. Dixit will take charge of the force from that date.

Dixit is well known for backing indigenous aircraft projects. During his time as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, the LCA Mark-1A, LCA Mark-2 and AMCA programmes made good progress. He has also led projects that bring new technology into the force. The appointment is expected to give a further push to the government's Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) initiative in defence.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Career

Early Life and Training

Dixit was born on 9 December 1966. He joined the fighter stream of the IAF on 6 December 1986. He studied at the National Defence Academy, the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Bangladesh, and the National Defence College.

Flying Experience

He is an experimental test pilot and a qualified flying instructor with over 3,500 hours in the air. He has flown many aircraft, such as the Mirage-2000, MiG variants, Jaguar, Tejas, Kiran, Hawk, An-32 and IL-78.

Operations and Key Posts

In a service of about four decades, he has taken part in Op Rakshak, Cope India, Operation Safed Sagar and Operation Sindoor. He commanded a frontline fighter base in the western sector and a major fighter training base in the southern sector. Before becoming Vice Chief, he served as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) and as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command.

Awards

1. Vayu Sena Medal (2006)
2. Vishisht Seva Medal (2011)
3. Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2023)
4. Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2026)