Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Appointed New IAF Chief, To Take Charge on October 31
New Delhi: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed the 29th Chief of the Air Staff. He will take charge as Air Chief Marshal on October 31, 2026. He will succeed Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who will retire on the same day.
Ashutosh Dixit To Become 29th IAF Chief
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff. The Ministry of Defence announced his appointment on October 6. He will take charge of the Indian Air Force on October 31.
Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986. During his career, he has completed more than 3,500 hours of flying. He has also flown several aircraft, including the Mirage-2000, MiG variants, Jaguar, IL-78, Hawk and Tejas.
Dixit Has Extensive Operational Experience
The incoming IAF chief has held several key positions during his career. Before becoming Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee.
He also served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command. In addition, Dixit has been associated with major operations, including Operation Safed Sagar, Operation Rakshak and Operation Sindoor.
He is an Experimental Test Pilot and a Qualified Flying Instructor. His experience includes both operational flying and senior leadership roles within the Indian Air Force.
Air Marshal Dixit Has Received Military Honours
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has received several distinguished service awards during his career. These include the Vayu Sena Medal in 2006, Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2023 and Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026.
He is also an alumnus of the National Defence Academy. He has further studied at the Defence Services Command & Staff College in Bangladesh and the National Defence College.
Amar Preet Singh To Retire on October 31
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the current Chief of the Air Staff, will retire on October 31. Dixit will take over the post on the same day and become the 29th Chief of the Air Staff.
His appointment comes at an important time for the Indian Air Force. The force is focusing on modernisation, stronger operational capabilities and the development of indigenous defence technology.
With decades of service and extensive operational experience, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit will now lead the Indian Air Force through its next phase of growth and modernisation.
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