FROM OPERATION SINDOOR TO AIR FORCE COMMAND: ASHUTOSH DIXIT TAKES OVER INDIA'S AIR FORCE LEADERSHIP

October 31, 2026

Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force on Saturday, October 31, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who retired after approximately 43 years of distinguished military service. The change of command took place following a ceremonial guard of honour accorded to the outgoing Air Chief at Race Course Air Force Station in New Delhi.

An accomplished fighter pilot with more than 3,500 hours of flying experience across over 20 aircraft types, Dixit brings nearly four decades of operational and strategic experience to the position. Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986, he has served in several important command and staff appointments, including Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command and Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee. Before his elevation, he was serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff.

Dixit also played a significant role in strategic planning during Operation Sindoor and has been associated with other major military operations, including Operation Safed Sagar and Operation Rakshak. His professional experience extends to aircraft such as the Mirage-2000, MiG variants, Jaguar, Hawk and Tejas. He is also an Experimental Test Pilot and a Qualified Flying Instructor.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College in Bangladesh and National Defence College, Dixit takes charge at a time when modernisation, operational preparedness, technological advancement and indigenous defence capabilities remain important priorities for the Indian Air Force. His appointment marks a new chapter in the leadership of India's air defence establishment.