New Delhi: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and will assume office on July 1, marking a significant leadership transition in the force.
Currently serving as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), a key tri-services position under the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Marshal Dixit has played an important role in advancing military jointness and the ongoing process of establishing integrated theatre commands.
His appointment also places him as the senior-most officer in line for the top post in the IAF when Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh retires in October this year.
A highly experienced fighter pilot, Air Marshal Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in December 1986. During his distinguished career, he commanded the Flight Test Squadron at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) in Bengaluru and contributed significantly to several indigenous aviation programmes.
He was closely associated with major avionics modernisation projects for the Jaguar and MiG-27 fighter aircraft, helping enhance the operational capabilities of the IAF’s combat fleet.
Later, during his tenure at Air Headquarters, he played a crucial role in shaping the force’s future combat capability plans and long-term modernisation strategy.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, the Defence Services Staff College in Bangladesh, and the National Defence College in New Delhi, Air Marshal Dixit brings extensive operational, strategic and administrative experience to the role.
He takes charge at a critical time when the Air Force is pursuing an ambitious modernisation agenda focused on indigenous defence production. Key initiatives include the development and induction of homegrown fighter aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), advanced missile systems and air defence platforms.
His elevation is expected to provide continuity to the IAF’s efforts to strengthen operational readiness, boost self-reliance in defence manufacturing and enhance integration among the three armed services.
