Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has officially taken over as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force, assuming the role on July 1, 2026. He succeeds Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor in this significant position.
In a ceremonial display of respect and commitment, Air Marshal Dixit began his tenure by paying homage to the nation’s Bravehearts at the National War Memorial. Following this, he reviewed a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Vayu Bhawan in New Delhi, marking his first official duties as VCAS.
Air Marshal Dixit brings with him an impressive background as a commissioned fighter pilot since December 1986. He is a highly distinguished experimental test pilot and has earned accolades as a qualified flying instructor and fighter combat leader, amassing over 3,300 hours of flying experience. Throughout his nearly four-decade-long career, Dixit has flown a wide array of aircraft, including the Mirage-2000, Jaguar, Hawk, Kiran, AN-32, IL-78, and HPT-32. His operational experience includes participation in significant missions such as Operation Rakshak and Operation Safed Sagar during the Kargil War.
Before stepping into the role of VCAS, Dixit held the position of Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) from May 2025 to June 2026. His career has seen him occupy several key appointments, including Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff. Notably, during his term as Deputy Chief, he played an instrumental role in advancing the Indian Air Force’s modernization initiatives and fostering indigenous defense capabilities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
An alumnus of prestigious military educational institutions such as the National Defence Academy, the Air Force Academy, the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Bangladesh, and the National Defence College, Air Marshal Dixit has also commanded operational formations, including No. 9 Squadron at Air Force Station Bidar.
His distinguished service has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), the Vayu Sena Medal (VM), and the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).
As he embarks on his role as the 51st Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is anticipated to enhance the Indian Air Force’s operational readiness, capability development, and modernization efforts while effectively navigating emerging technological and strategic challenges.
