Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit meets Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after being appointed as the next Chief of the Air Staff, taking charge on October 31.
Air Chief-designate Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday after being appointed as the next Chief of the Air Staff. During the meeting, Singh congratulated him on the new responsibility and conveyed his best wishes for his upcoming tenure.
The government has appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff. He will take charge in the rank of Air Chief Marshal from the afternoon of October 31, following the retirement of the incumbent Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh.
Dixit to Take Over as 29th Air Chief
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff. His appointment marks the next phase of his distinguished career in the Indian Air Force.
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh is scheduled to superannuate on October 31. After his retirement, Dixit will assume command of the Indian Air Force and become its 29th Chief of the Air Staff.
His appointment comes at a time when the Indian Air Force is placing strong emphasis on modernisation, indigenous defence production and strengthening operational capabilities.
Strong Push for Indigenous Defence Projects
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been closely associated with efforts to promote indigenous aircraft and defence programmes within the Indian Air Force. His experience in projects involving the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is expected to support the government’s broader Aatmanirbharta drive in the defence sector.
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His upcoming tenure is likely to coincide with continued efforts to expand India’s domestic defence capabilities, enhance technological self-reliance and strengthen the operational preparedness of the force.
Over Three Decades of Service
Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986, Dixit has built a career spanning several important operational and staff assignments.
He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, the Defence Staff Service College in Bangladesh and the National Defence College. Over the course of his service, he has accumulated more than 3,500 hours of flying experience.
According to the Ministry of Defence, he has held several key appointments across operational commands and Air Headquarters.
Experience in Fighter Operations and Training
During his career, Dixit served as the Commanding Officer of No. 9 Squadron, where he was involved in its re-equipment with Mirage-2000 aircraft. He later commanded a frontline fighter base in the Western Sector and a major fighter training base in the Southern Sector.
He also served as Air Defence Commander of Southern Air Command. At Air Headquarters in Vayu Bhawan, he held important responsibilities as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Projects) and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans).
These assignments have given the Air Chief-designate extensive experience in fighter operations, air defence, training, planning and defence projects.
Decorated with Four Major Service Awards
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has received several prestigious military decorations in recognition of his service.
He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 2006, followed by the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011. He received the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2023 and was conferred the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026.
With extensive operational experience, leadership exposure and a strong association with indigenous defence initiatives, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit will take charge of the Indian Air Force on October 31.
His appointment is expected to provide continuity in the force’s ongoing modernisation efforts while further advancing India’s focus on self-reliance in defence production and aerospace capabilities.
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