Ashutosh Dixit appointed as next Indian Air Force Chief

The Indian government has appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff. Currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Dixit is scheduled to take command on the afternoon of October 31, 2026, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. His tenure is expected to last until December 31, 2028.

Dixit is a highly experienced fighter pilot with over 3,500 flying hours on various aircraft, including the Mirage-2000, MiG variants, Jaguar, and the indigenous LCA Tejas. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, he has held several critical roles, including Chief of Integrated Defence Staff and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command.

His appointment is viewed as a move to bolster India’s ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) initiative in defense. Dixit has a significant background in aircraft testing and has been a key proponent of indigenous defense projects, particularly the LCA Tejas program. His career includes participation in major operations such as Operation Safed Sagar, Operation Rakshak, and Operation Sindoor.