Air Marshal Dixit Takes Helm of Indian Air Force

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is set to become the next chief of the air staff, assuming leadership of the Indian Air Force. His tenure is scheduled to commence on October 31 and will continue through December 31, 2028.

Dixit's distinguished career spans nearly four decades, marked by his service as a fighter and experimental test pilot. He has accumulated over 3,500 flying hours on a variety of aircraft, including the Mirage-2000, Jaguar, MiG variants, and Tejas. His experience also encompasses participation in significant operations and exercises such as Operation Safed Sagar and Operation Rakshak.

Throughout his career, Dixit has held numerous critical command and staff appointments. These include commanding frontline fighter bases, serving as air defence commander of Southern Air Command, and holding senior roles at Air Headquarters. Prior to his appointment as vice chief of the air staff in July, he led Central Air Command and served as chief of integrated defence staff.

Dixit's qualifications include being a qualified flying instructor and an experimental test pilot. His contributions extend to overseeing aircraft re-equipping processes, leading acceptance flights, and participating in indigenous upgrade programs. He also played a crucial role in evaluating aircraft for the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) program.

Recognized for his service, Air Marshal Dixit has received several prestigious awards, including the Vayu Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and Param Vishisht Seva Medal.