Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been officially appointed as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff. The central government confirmed his elevation to the top military post, where he will serve in the rank of Air Chief Marshal starting October 31, 2026.
He succeeds incumbent Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who completes his tenure and retires on October 31, 2026. The incoming chief currently holds the office of Vice Chief of the Air Staff, ensuring a smooth operational transition at the highest level of military command.
What Was Marshal Ashutosh Dixit’s Role in Operation Rakshak?
Commissioned into the fighter stream in December 1986, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Chief IAF brings over 3,500 hours of military flying experience. As an accomplished Experimental Test Pilot and Qualified Flying Instructor, his career includes operational service during Operation Safed Sagar and Operation Rakshak, alongside commanding a Mirage 2000 squadron and a premier Western sector fighter base.
He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and National Defence College. Before his role as Vice Chief, he served as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command.
