Defence Ministry Announces Appointment of 29th Chief of Air Staff
The Ministry of Defence announced the appointment of Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff. He will assume command in the rank of Air Chief Marshal on the afternoon of October 31, succeeding the incumbent Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who superannuates on the same date.
Currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit brings vast operational and strategic leadership experience to the top post. His appointment ensures a smooth operational transition for the Indian Air Force amidst ongoing modernization programs.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit to be the 29th Chief of the Air Staff
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, PVSM, AVSM, VM, VSM, presently Vice Chief of the Air Staff, will assume the appointment of Chief of the Air Staff in the rank of Air Chief Marshal on 31 October 2026.
An Experimental Test Pilot and Qualified Flying Instructor, Air Marshal Dixit has over 3,500 hours of flying experience and has held several key operational and strategic appointments, including CISC, HQ IDS and AOC-in-C, Central Air Command.
He will succeed Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh on completion of his tenure.
The Indian Air Force welcomes the appointment of its next Chief.
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@air_veterans— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) October 6, 2026
| Serial No. | Operational Parameter | Leadership Transition Profile |
| 1 | Appointed Military Commander | Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit |
| 2 | Incoming Military Designation | 29th Chief of the Air Staff (Air Chief Marshal) |
| 3 | Outgoing Air Force Chief | Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh |
| 4 | Leadership Transition Date | Afternoon of October 31, 2026 |
| 5 | Total Operational Flying Hours | Over 3,500 hours across 20+ aircraft types |
Extensive Flying Career and Strategic Command Achievements
Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in December 1986, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and National Defence College. He holds extensive flying experience on frontline fighters, including the Mirage 2000.
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During his distinguished career spanning nearly four decades, he actively participated in key military missions, including Operation Safed Sagar and Operation Rakshak. He has held major operational appointments, serving as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command.
| Serial No. | Career Milestone | Commissioning and Command Timeline |
| 1 | Commissioning Date | December 1986 (Fighter Stream) |
| 2 | Major Flight Operations | Operation Safed Sagar & Operation Rakshak |
| 3 | Command Appointments | Mirage 2000 Squadron & Western Sector Frontline Base |
| 4 | Higher Staff Roles | Chief of Integrated Defence Staff & Vice Chief of Air Staff |
Modernization Priorities Facing the Incoming IAF Chief
As Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit prepares to assume command, the Indian Air Force continues to prioritize fleet modernization, indigenous fighter development, and air defense integration.
His tenure will oversee the induction of additional Tejas Mk-1A light combat aircraft, weapon integration across fighter squadrons, and enhanced joint operational readiness across armed forces commands. His extensive background as an experimental test pilot provides strategic technical oversight for future aviation procurements.
| Serial No. | Modernization Domain | Strategic Air Force Capability Objective |
| 1 | Indigenous Aviation | Acceleration of Tejas Mk-1A inductions and AMCA procurement |
| 2 | Force Modernization | Advanced missile integration across multi-role fighter fleets |
| 3 | Operational Training | Implementation of next-generation simulator and flight training models |
| 4 | Strategic Readiness | Strengthening joint theater operations with Army and Navy commands |