Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and is scheduled to assume charge on July 1, according to an official announcement made on Friday. He currently serves as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) at Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff, and will take over one of the senior-most operational leadership roles in the Air Force.

Air Marshal Dixit is a seasoned fighter pilot with extensive operational and instructional experience across multiple aircraft platforms. Commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on December 6, 1986, he is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla. Over his career spanning more than three decades, he has accumulated over 3,300 flying hours on a wide range of aircraft, including the MiG-21, Mirage-2000, Jaguar and Hawk, serving as a test pilot, flying instructor and fighter combat leader.

Throughout his service, he has held several key command, staff and instructional appointments within the Indian Air Force. He has also commanded a premier fighter training base in the southern sector, where under his leadership the unit was adjudged the best in its command. His career includes important contributions to both operational readiness and training excellence within the force.

Also Read: Taiwan Air Force Training Plane Crashes During Simulated Exercise, Two Killed

Air Marshal Dixit has played a significant role in advancing indigenous defence capabilities and modernisation efforts within the IAF. As a test pilot and Commanding Officer of the Flight Test Squadron at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment, he was involved in several indigenous upgrade programmes, including avionics enhancements for platforms such as the Jaguar and MiG-27. His work has been closely associated with efforts to strengthen India’s self-reliance in defence aviation systems.

In addition to his operational roles, he has been decorated with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal and Vayu Sena Medal in recognition of his distinguished service. As Director of Air Staff Requirements, he was also involved in the planning and execution of trials for the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft programme, a key initiative in the Air Force’s modernisation roadmap.

With his appointment as Vice Chief, Air Marshal Dixit is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the Indian Air Force’s operational strategy, capability development and ongoing modernisation initiatives at a time when the force is undergoing significant technological and structural transformation.

Also Read: Fuel Prices Unchanged On June 3 Across Major Indian Cities