New Delhi: The Government of India has appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the next Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force (IAF), marking a significant leadership transition in the country’s air defence establishment. The decorated fighter pilot and test pilot will assume charge on July 1, 2026.
Currently serving as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) at the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Air Marshal Dixit brings nearly four decades of operational, strategic and leadership experience to the position. Defence officials said his appointment reflects the government’s confidence in his extensive expertise and contributions to military modernisation and joint force integration.
Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986, Air Marshal Dixit is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, the Defence Services Staff College in Bangladesh and the National Defence College in New Delhi. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held several important operational and staff appointments across the Air Force.
Known as an accomplished fighter pilot and experimental test pilot, Air Marshal Dixit has logged more than 3,300 flying hours on over 20 types of aircraft, including the MiG 21, Mirage 2000 and Jaguar. He has commanded a Mirage 2000 squadron, a frontline fighter base in the western sector and a premier fighter training establishment.
Over the years, he has played a crucial role in several major defence initiatives. Officials credit him with contributing significantly to indigenous fighter aircraft programmes, capability enhancement projects and key fighter acquisition plans. As Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, he has also been actively involved in promoting greater jointness among the armed forces as India advances towards integrated theatre commands.
Air Marshal Dixit has previously served as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, Air Officer Commanding in Chief of Central Air Command and Senior Air Staff Officer at South Western Air Command. His broad experience across operational, planning and strategic roles has made him one of the most respected officers in the Indian Air Force.
His appointment comes at a time when the Indian Air Force is focusing on force modernisation, indigenous defence manufacturing and enhanced integration with the Army and Navy. Defence experts believe his leadership will be instrumental in advancing these priorities and strengthening India’s air power capabilities in the years ahead.