Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Appointed as Vice Chief of Air Staff

New Delhi, June 5: A significant appointment has been made in the Indian Air Force. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, currently serving as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of Air Staff. He will assume his new role on July 1, 2026.

Air Marshal Dixit is regarded as one of the most experienced fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force. After being commissioned into the fighter stream in December 1986, he has held numerous critical operational, training, and strategic responsibilities over nearly four decades of military service. He boasts over 3,300 flight hours and has operated various fighter aircraft.

Throughout his military career, he has served in several key positions within the Air Force. He has been the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command, Deputy Chief of Air Staff, and held various significant appointments at Air Headquarters. In May 2025, he took charge as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, where he played a crucial role in enhancing coordination among the three armed forces and strengthening joint military capabilities.

As he takes on the responsibilities of Vice Chief of Air Staff from July 1, Air Marshal Dixit will play a vital role in the modernization of the Indian Air Force, joint military operations, indigenization, and future strategic preparations. His appointment is seen as a significant change in the Air Force leadership. Over his distinguished career spanning nearly four decades, he has rendered commendable service in various commands and positions.

Air Marshal Dixit has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, and the Air Force Medal. Before assuming the CISC position, he served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command, where he significantly contributed to enhancing operational readiness in North India and promoting coordination with other services. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Defence Services Staff College (Bangladesh), and the National Defence College, New Delhi.

In addition to being an excellent flying instructor, he is also a test pilot with extensive flight experience on over 20 types of aircraft, including the Mirage-2000, MiG-21, and Jaguar. Air Marshal Dixit has also commanded a major fighter training base in the southern sector, where under his leadership, the base was declared the best in command.