Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit to Lead Indian Air Force as Chief
The Indian government has announced the appointment of Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, effective from the afternoon of October 31, 2026. Currently serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he will take over from Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who will retire on the same day.
Born on December 9, 1966, Air Marshal Dixit joined the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot on December 6, 1986. His extensive career spans nearly 40 years, during which he has accumulated over 3,500 flying hours on a variety of aircraft, including the Mirage-2000, MiG variants, Kiran, Jaguar, IL-78, Hawk, and Tejas. His credentials include being both an Experimental Test Pilot and a Qualified Flying Instructor.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Before his role as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Dixit served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee, and as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command. His leadership has contributed significantly to enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force through various positions held throughout his career.
Air Marshal Dixit has played a pivotal role in numerous operations, including Op-Safed Sagar, Op-Rakshak, and Op-Sindoor. He has commanded a frontline fighter air base in the Western Sector as well as a premier fighter training base in the Southern Sector. His efforts over the years have not only advanced the operational readiness of the Air Force but also established him as a respected figure within the force.
Acknowledgments and Medals
In recognition of his exceptional service, Air Marshal Dixit has been honored with multiple prestigious awards. These include the Vayu Sena Medal in 2006, the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2023, and most recently, the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026. Each award reflects his dedication and distinguished performance throughout his illustrious career.
As Air Marshal Dixit prepares to step into his new role as Chief of the Air Staff, the Indian Air Force looks forward to his leadership in addressing future challenges and ensuring national security.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
