Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed India's 29th Chief of the Air Staff, effective October 31, 2026. The veteran fighter pilot brings nearly four decades of service, over 3,500 flying hours, experience in major military operations and several distinguished service awards.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit will become India's 29th Chief of the Air Staff on Saturday, October 31, 2026, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who retires the same day.
India's Ministry of Defence announced the appointment on October 6, 2026. Dixit currently serves as Vice Chief of the Air Staff and will assume the rank of Air Chief Marshal.
Press Information BureauWho is Ashutosh Dixit?
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Date of Birth
December 9, 1966
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Age
59 Years
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Service Entry
December 6, 1986
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Flying Hours
3,500+
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Specialization: Experimental Test Pilot and Qualified Flying Instructor
Aircraft: Mirage 2000, MiG variants, Jaguar, Hawk and Tejas
Education: National Defence Academy, Defence Services Command and Staff College (Bangladesh), National Defence College
Born on December 9, 1966, Dixit joined the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986. He studied at the National Defence Academy, a defence staff college in Bangladesh and India's National Defence College.
Ashutosh Dixit's military career and flying experience
An experimental test pilot and qualified flying instructor, Dixit has logged more than 3,500 hours flying aircraft including Mirage 2000, MiG variants, Jaguar, Hawk and Tejas.
He commanded No. 9 Squadron during its re-equipment with Mirage 2000 aircraft and later led major air bases and training establishments.
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2006
Vayu Sena Medal
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2011
Vishisht Seva Medal
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2023
Ati Vishisht Seva Medal
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2026
Param Vishisht Seva Medal
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Operation Safed Sagar: Indian Air Force operations during the 1999 Kargil conflict.
Operation Rakshak: Counterinsurgency and security operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Operation Sindoor: Indian military operation launched in May 2025.
Squadron Command: Commanded No. 9 Squadron during its Mirage 2000 re-equipment.
Central Air Command: Served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief.
Integrated Defence Staff: Served as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff.
Vice Chief of Air Staff: Assumed office on July 1, 2026.
Chief of Air Staff: Appointed to assume command on October 31, 2026.
What comes next for India's Air Force?
Dixit's appointment places an experienced fighter pilot and senior defence commander at the head of the IAF as it pursues aircraft modernization, domestic defence production and closer coordination among India's armed services.
Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia is scheduled to become Vice Chief on November 1, 2026, completing the announced leadership transition.
Press Information Bureau
