Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Appointed New Indian Air Force Chief

India has appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the next Chief of the Air Staff, with the senior officer set to take charge of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on October 31, 2026, following the retirement of incumbent Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh.

Dixit, who is currently serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, assumed the position in July 2026. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh is scheduled to retire on October 31 after completing his tenure as IAF chief.

An experienced fighter and test pilot, Air Marshal Dixit has more than 3,500 hours of flying experience. He has flown several combat aircraft, including the Mirage 2000, various MiG variants, Jaguar and Tejas.

During his career, Dixit has held several key command and senior operational positions, including Chief of Integrated Defence Staff and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command.

He has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vayu Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal in recognition of his service.

Dixit will take charge at a critical phase for the IAF as India seeks to modernise its combat fleet and strengthen domestic defence production. Key priorities are expected to include the induction and production of Tejas fighter aircraft, development of the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), and the phased replacement of ageing aircraft.

His experience as a test pilot, including extensive exposure to the Tejas programme, is expected to be significant as the IAF continues efforts to expand and modernise its fighter fleet.

His appointment is part of the routine leadership transition within the Indian armed forces, but his tenure is expected to coincide with several major programmes aimed at reshaping India's future air combat capabilities.