Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Ashutosh Dixit Named Next Chief of Indian Air Force
The government has chosen Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit to lead the Indian Air Force.
He is currently its Vice Chief.
He is expected to take over on October 31, 2026, when Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh retires.
Dixit joined the Air Force as a fighter pilot in 1986.
He has flown more than 3,500 hours on several kinds of aircraft.
He has also held important command and planning jobs.
During his career, he took part in several operations and received military awards.
He will become the Air Force’s 29th Chief of the Air Staff.
The government appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the next Chief of the Air Staff.
He is currently Vice Chief of the Air Staff and will become the 29th CAS on October 31, 2026.
Dixit will succeed Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who retires that day.
A fighter pilot and qualified flying instructor, Dixit has more than 3,500 flying hours.
His career includes operational missions, senior command roles and military honours, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026.
- Who
- Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, currently Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
- What
- He has been appointed the next Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force.
- When
- He is to take charge on October 31, 2026.
- Where
- Indian Air Force.
- Why
- He will succeed Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who retires that day.
- New role
- 29th Chief of the Air Staff
- Takeover date
- October 31, 2026, from the afternoon
- Current role
- Vice Chief of the Air Staff
- Commissioned
- December 6, 1986, into the fighter stream
- Flying experience
- More than 3,500 hours
- Selected awards
- Vayu Sena Medal (2006), Vishisht Seva Medal (2011), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2023) and Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2026)
- Predecessor
- Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, retiring October 31, 2026