Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Named Next IAF Chief, To Succeed Amar Preet Singh
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the next Chief of the Air Staff and will take charge as the Indian Air Force chief on October 31, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh.
The appointment was announced on Tuesday, setting the stage for a change of leadership at the top of the IAF. Dixit will become the 29th Chief of the Air Staff and will assume the rank of Air Chief Marshal when he takes over.
From Vice Chief To IAF Chief
Dixit is currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, a position he assumed on July 1, 2026. He succeeded Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, who retired on June 30 after nearly four decades in the IAF.
Before becoming Vice Chief, Dixit served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff from May 2025 to June 2026. He had earlier headed the Central Air Command as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief.
Four Decades Of IAF Service
Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986. He is an Experimental Test Pilot and Qualified Flying Instructor with more than 3,500 hours of flying experience across a range of aircraft.
His flying experience includes the Mirage-2000, MiG variants, Jaguar, An-32, IL-78, Hawk and Tejas, among other aircraft.
During his career, Dixit has held several operational and strategic appointments, including Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, Air Defence Commander of Southern Air Command and senior positions at Air Headquarters.
Role In Defence Integration
As Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, Dixit worked on strengthening coordination and jointness among the three armed forces. His tenure also covered Operation Sindoor and initiatives aimed at advancing integrated military capabilities.
Dixit has received the Vayu Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Param Vishisht Seva Medal for his service.
Leadership Change At IAF
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who has been serving as the Chief of the Air Staff since September 2024, is scheduled to retire on October 31. Dixit will take over the IAF leadership on the same day.
