Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Takes Charge As New Indian Air Force Chief, Succeeds AP Singh

Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit officially took charge as the new Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday, October 31, succeeding Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who retired after an illustrious 43-year career in the force.

Dixit, who previously served as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, brings nearly four decades of military experience, extensive operational expertise and strategic planning capabilities to India’s top air force position. He was also associated with several significant military operations, including Operation Sindoor, which brought him into focus for his role in India’s military planning and operational preparedness.

Before his elevation to the post of Chief of Air Staff, Dixit held the position of Vice Chief of the Air Staff. Earlier, he served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) at the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, according to news agency PTI.

A fighter pilot and qualified experimental test pilot, Dixit has accumulated more than 3,500 hours of flying experience across a wide range of military aircraft. His flying experience includes platforms such as the Mirage-2000, Jaguar, various MiG aircraft, Tejas, Hawk, Kiran, An-32 and IL-78. His extensive experience across fighter and transport aircraft gives him a broad understanding of India’s operational aviation capabilities.

Throughout his career, Dixit has been associated with several important military operations and international exercises. These include Operation Safed Sagar, Operation Rakshak and Operation Sindoor, along with the Cope India military exercise. His involvement in these operations and exercises reflects his experience in combat preparedness, operational planning and military coordination.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Dixit also attended the Defence Services Staff College in Bangladesh and the National Defence College. He is a qualified flying instructor and served as an instructor at the Air Force Test Pilots School during the early stages of his career. He subsequently took command of a fighter squadron, marking the beginning of his leadership responsibilities within the operational structure of the Indian Air Force.

Over the years, Dixit has occupied several important command and staff appointments. He commanded a frontline fighter base in India’s Western Sector and a fighter training base in the Southern Sector. He also served as the Air Defence Commander of the Southern Air Command, gaining experience in managing critical operational responsibilities.

His senior appointments at Air Headquarters included Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Projects), Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans) and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff. These assignments exposed him to crucial aspects of defence planning, capability development, modernisation and operational strategy.

His appointment comes at a significant time for the Indian Air Force, which continues to focus on strengthening its combat capabilities, modernising its aircraft fleet and enhancing its operational preparedness amid evolving regional and global security challenges.

With experience spanning frontline fighter operations, test flying, military exercises, strategic planning and senior command appointments, Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit now takes charge of the Indian Air Force at a critical juncture in India’s defence landscape.