The Government of India has appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, PVSM, AVSM, VM, VSM, as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS). Currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he will take over in the rank of Air Chief Marshal from the afternoon of 31 October 2026.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Appointed As 29th Chief of The Air Staff
New Chief of the Air Staff
The Government of India has appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, PVSM, AVSM, VM, VSM, as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS). Currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he will take over in the rank of Air Chief Marshal from the afternoon of 31 October 2026.
He will succeed Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who is scheduled to superannuate from the post on the same day.
Early Career and Commissioning
Born on 9 December 1966, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was commissioned into the Fighter Stream of the Indian Air Force on 6 December 1986.
Over a service career spanning nearly four decades, he has undertaken a wide range of operational, instructional and leadership responsibilities.
Education and Professional Qualifications
Air Marshal Dixit is an alumnus of several prestigious military institutions, including the:
- National Defence Academy (NDA)
- Defence Services Command & Staff College, Bangladesh
- National Defence College (NDC)
He is also an Experimental Test Pilot and a Qualified Flying Instructor, reflecting his extensive operational and aviation expertise.
Extensive Flying Experience
Air Marshal Dixit has accumulated more than 3,500 hours of flying experience on a wide range of aircraft.
His flying experience includes platforms such as:
- Mirage-2000
- MiG variants
- Kiran
- Jaguar
- IL-78
- Hawk
- Tejas
His experience across fighter, trainer and support aircraft has contributed significantly to his operational and technical expertise.
Operational Experience
During his long and distinguished career, Air Marshal Dixit has participated in several important military operations and exercises, including:
- Operation Safed Sagar
- Operation Rakshak
- Operation Sindoor
His involvement in these operations has added substantial operational experience to his professional career.
Key Command and Staff Appointments
Before becoming Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Dixit served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS).
He has also served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command.
Among his important field assignments, he commanded a frontline fighter air base in the Western Sector and a premier fighter training base in the Southern Sector.
Through these appointments, he has contributed to strengthening the operational preparedness and capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
Recognition and Military Decorations
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has received several prestigious military decorations in recognition of his distinguished service.
His honours include:
- Vayu Sena Medal (VM) – 2006
- Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) – 2011
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) – 2023
- Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) – 2026
These awards recognise his exemplary contribution and distinguished service during his long career in the Indian Air Force.
