On May 1, 2025, the Indian Armed Forces experienced a significant leadership transition with the appointment of Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the new Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC). He succeeds retired Lt Gen JP Mathew in this vital tri-service role, indicative of India’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the coordination and operational synergy among its Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Air Marshal Dixit offers nearly four decades of extensive experience within the Indian Air Force. He was commissioned on December 6, 1986, from the Air Force Academy in Dundigal and has developed from a frontline fighter pilot to a highly esteemed strategical leader in Indian defense. He has amassed over 3,300 hours of flying time as a Mirage 2000 pilot and has showcased his leadership both in the cockpit and at the command post. His track record as the Commanding Officer of No. 9 Squadron is particularly noted for operational excellence and composure under pressure.
Throughout his career, Air Marshal Dixit has held several prestigious posts. As the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command starting September 1, 2024, he previously served as Deputy Chief of Air Staff, Senior Air Staff Officer for the South Western Air Command, and Assistant Chief of Air Staff at Air Headquarters. His expertise is further demonstrated by his roles as Commanding Officer at various fighter bases and training schools, in addition to serving as Directing Staff at the Air Force Test Pilots School.
Air Marshal Dixit has also been a key player in critical military operations, participating in missions such as Operation Rakshak, which focused on counter-insurgency efforts, and Operation Safed Sagar, the aerial campaign during the Kargil War. His firsthand experience in these operations has equipped him with valuable insights into the complexities surrounding modern warfare.
A strong advocate of the Aatmanirbharta initiative, which aims for self-reliance in defense, Air Marshal Dixit has been pivotal in advancing indigenous programs such as the LCA Tejas Mk-1A and Mk-2, as well as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). These initiatives are vital for minimizing India’s reliance on foreign defense equipment and bolstering its domestic capabilities.
His service has not gone unnoticed; Air Marshal Dixit has received several prestigious awards for his contributions, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2023, the Vayu Sena Medal in 2006, and the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011. These accolades highlight not only his professional excellence but also his steadfast dedication to serving the nation.
As the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, Air Marshal Dixit is set to play a crucial role in coordinating strategies, operations, and doctrines across India’s military branches. This position, which ranks just below the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), is essential for advancing the nation’s joint warfighting capabilities, inter-service interoperability, and integrated defense planning.
Air Marshal Dixit’s appointment coincides with a transformative era for the Indian military, characterized by restructuring command hierarchies and enhancing theater-level joint operations. The defense forces are preparing for future warfare scenarios, emphasizing speed, synergy, and innovation.
His career embodies a remarkable combination of combat experience, visionary leadership, and a commitment to modernization. As India’s new CISC, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is poised to play a pivotal role in the nation’s tri-service integration, significantly influencing the country’s defense posture as it navigates the complexities of the 21st century.
