New Delhi: Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit on Saturday assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), succeeding Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who retired after completing 42 years of service.
Dixit, an experienced fighter pilot and test pilot, brings four decades of experience in operational duties, aircraft testing, capability development and joint military assignments to the top post.
Commissioned into the IAF’s fighter stream in December 1986, he is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy. Over the course of his career, he has accumulated more than 3,300 hours of flying experience on several aircraft, including the Mirage-2000, different variants of the MiG, Jaguar and transport aircraft.
Ashutosh Dixit’s Role In IAF Modernisation
Air Chief Marshal Dixit has played a key role in several aircraft modernisation and development programmes. He was instrumental in finalising upgrade projects for the Jaguar and MiG-27 fleets and in completing the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) and Final Operational Clearance (FOC) activities for the indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft.
A qualified flying instructor and experimental test pilot, Dixit has served in operational, training and senior command roles during his career.
His command assignments included leading a Mirage-2000 squadron, a Forward Base Support Unit in the Western Sector and Air Force Station Bidar, a major fighter training establishment.
From Deputy Chief To Vice Chief Of The Air Staff
Before becoming IAF chief, Dixit held several senior positions involving operational planning, air defence and procurement.
He served as Air Defence Commander at Southern Air Command and Senior Air Staff Officer at South Western Air Command. As Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, he was involved in key capability development and procurement initiatives.
He later commanded Central Air Command before taking over as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee, during Operation Sindoor. His most recent appointment before assuming the top post was Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
Dixit has also completed courses at the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Bangladesh and the National Defence College in New Delhi.
AP Singh Hands Over Command, Inspects Guard Of Honour
Earlier on Saturday, outgoing IAF chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh formally handed over command and inspected a Guard of Honour at Air Force Station New Delhi (AFND). He also laid a wreath at the National War Memorial.
The air station has recently drawn attention after the Ministry of Urban Affairs surveyed the Air Force Sports Complex located alongside it. The complex was subsequently closed to members.
AP Singh’s Tenure Focused On Operational Readiness
During his tenure as Chief of the Air Staff, AP Singh pushed initiatives to strengthen the IAF’s war-fighting capabilities. These included faster communication systems, additional surveillance aircraft, long-range air defence missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and new fighter aircraft.
Several of these projects are expected to make progress over the next few years.
Singh’s tenure was also marked by an emphasis on operational preparedness, particularly during Operation Sindoor. He retired after 42 years of service, handing over leadership of the force to Dixit.
