• Dixit to Succeed ACM A.P. Singh as India’s 29th Air Chief
  • India’s Airpower Gets Its Next Commander
  • Four Decades in Uniform, One Defining Command

New Delhi. 06 October 2026.  From the fighter cockpit to the highest command, Ashutosh Dixit’s journey brings operational experience and a test pilot’s exacting judgement to the helm of the IAF. As Amar Preet Singh concludes his tenure, the succession carries forward a mission that outlasts every commander: protecting India’s skies while preparing for tomorrow’s threats. On October 31, the command will change; the responsibility to keep India’s airpower ready, resilient and decisive will endure.

The Government has appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, PVSM, AVSM, VM, VSM, as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff. Currently serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he will assume command in the rank of Air Chief Marshal on the afternoon of October 31, 2026, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who superannuates the same day.

The appointment brings an experienced fighter pilot, experimental test pilot and military commander to the helm of the Indian Air Force. Dixit’s career spans nearly four decades, with involvement in Operation Safed Sagar, Operation Rakshak and Operation Sindoor. Born on December 9, 1966, Dixit was commissioned into the IAF’s fighter stream on December 6, 1986. He has accumulated more than 3,500 flying hours across aircraft including the Mirage-2000, MiG variants, Kiran, Jaguar, IL-78, Hawk and Tejas. He is also a Qualified Flying Instructor.

Before becoming Vice Chief, he served as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee, at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, and as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Command & Staff College, Bangladesh, and National Defence College, Dixit has held significant operational and staff appointments. His commands include a frontline fighter air base in the western sector and a premier fighter training base in the southern sector. His distinguished service has been recognised with the Vayu Sena Medal in 2006, Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2023 and Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026.

The October 31 succession will mark a new chapter in IAF leadership, placing a commander with extensive flying, testing and joint-services experience in charge of India’s air force.Top of Form From the fighter cockpit to the highest command, Ashutosh Dixit’s journey brings operational experience and a test pilot’s exacting judgement to the helm of the IAF. As Amar Preet Singh concludes his tenure, the succession carries forward a mission that outlasts every commander – protecting India’s skies while preparing for tomorrow’s threats. On October 31, the command will change but the responsibility to keep India’s airpower ready, resilient and decisive will remain the same.