Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit formally assumed command as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
He succeeds Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who superannuated on Saturday following a 25-month tenure at the helm of the air force.
Extensive Operational and Test-Flying Credentials
Commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF in December 1986, Air Chief Marshal Dixit brings nearly four decades of distinguished service to the top post.
- Flight Experience: An accomplished Experimental Test Pilot and Qualified Flying Instructor, he has logged over 3,500 flying hours across a diverse range of aircraft, including the Mirage 2000, MiG variants, Jaguar, Hawk, IL-78, and the indigenous LCA Tejas.
- Operational History: He has actively participated in key operations and exercises, including Operation Safed Sagar during the 1999 Kargil conflict, Operation Rakshak, and Operation Sindoor.
- Leadership Roles: Prior to taking charge as CAS, he held pivotal leadership appointments, serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command, and Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC).
Push for Indigenisation and Modernisation
Widely recognised for his steadfast backing of indigenous defence manufacturing, Air Chief Marshal Dixit played a key role during his tenure as Vice Chief in advancing core national aerospace programs, including the LCA Mark-1A, LCA Mark-2, and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) projects.
His appointment is expected to give further momentum to the government’s Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) initiative in defence, accelerating the induction of domestic platforms, expanding squadron strength, and enhancing tri-service operational readiness.
