Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Appointed New Chief of Indian Air Force

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New Delhi: Ace fighter pilot Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the new Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF). He will succeed incumbent Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and is set to assume office on October 31, 2026.

Air Marshal Dixit, who currently serves as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, is a highly experienced fighter pilot with more than 3,500 hours of flying experience. He was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College in Bangladesh and National Defence College, Air Marshal Dixit has held several key operational, command and staff appointments during his nearly four-decade-long career.

He has served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff and Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee. He took over as Vice Chief of the Air Staff on July 1, 2026.

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The veteran fighter pilot has participated in several major operations and exercises, including ‘Operation Safed Sagar’, Operation Rakshak, Cope India and Operation Sindoor.

In recognition of his distinguished service, Air Marshal Dixit has been decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vayu Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.

His appointment comes at a crucial time as the Indian Air Force continues to focus on modernisation, operational preparedness and strengthening its combat capabilities.

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