New Delhi, October 6 (Udaipur Kiran): The Central Government has appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the next Chief of the Air Staff. Currently serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Dixit will take charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff in the rank of Air Chief Marshal from the afternoon of October 31.
He will succeed Air Chief Marshal Amar Prit Singh, who is scheduled to retire on October 31. Air Marshal Dixit has more than 3,500 hours of flying experience and took charge as the 51st Vice Chief of the Air Staff on June 5.
More Than Three Decades of Flying and Operational Experience
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit first took charge as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff on May 15, 2023, succeeding Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari. A qualified flying instructor and experimental test pilot, Dixit has experience flying several aircraft, including the MiG-21, MiG-29 and Mirage-2000.
During his career, he has flown more than 3,300 hours on over 20 types of aircraft. He has also participated in Operation Safed Sagar and Operation Rakshak.
Played Key Role in IAF Modernisation
Air Marshal Dixit has led several projects related to the adoption of future technologies and worked towards modernising the Indian Air Force with a continued focus on self-reliance.
During his tenure as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, significant progress was made in several indigenous aircraft programmes, including the LCA Mark-1A, Mark-2 and AMCA.
Before taking charge as Vice Chief, Dixit served as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff from May 1, 2025. In this role, he played an important part in strengthening integration among the three services and advancing India’s joint military capabilities.
Held Key Command and Staff Positions
Before becoming Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, Air Marshal Dixit served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command. He relinquished command of the Central Air Command on April 30, 2025, and took charge as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff on May 1, succeeding Lieutenant General Johnson P Matthew, who retired on April 30, 2025.
He has also served as the senior air force officer of the South Western Air Command.
Dixit is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy in Pune and the Air Force Academy in Dundigal. He has also attended the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Bangladesh and the National Defence College in New Delhi.
Commissioned in Fighter Stream in 1986
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Air Marshal Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream on December 6, 1986.
With a career spanning operational flying, flight testing, force modernisation and strategic leadership, he has received several military honours, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2023, Vayu Sena Medal in 2006 and Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011.
Dixit has also commanded a frontline Mirage-2000 fighter squadron at a base in the western sector, which is also a major fighter training base of the Indian Air Force.
Extensive Experience in Air Force Headquarters
Air Marshal Dixit has earlier served at Air Headquarters as Principal Director Air Staff Requirements, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Projects) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans).
As the incoming Air Chief, he will oversee the modernisation of the Indian Air Force. As Vice Chief, he has been responsible for overseeing new acquisitions and procurements made by the service under emergency powers.
During his earlier tenures at Air Headquarters, Dixit was also involved in the modernisation of the Indian Air Force and initiatives linked to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.