Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the next Chief of the Air Staff, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the Defence Ministry announced on Tuesday. Dixit will take charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff and will assume the post in the rank of Air Chief Marshal from the afternoon of October 31.

Dixit is currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff and has held several important operational and command responsibilities during his career in the Indian Air Force. He is known for his experience in strategic planning and has served in key assignments involving operational preparedness and organisational planning.

The government’s appointment will take effect on the same day that Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh is scheduled to retire from service. Singh will superannuate on October 31 after serving as the Chief of the Air Staff. Dixit will formally take over the leadership of the force following Singh’s retirement.

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As Vice Chief, Dixit has been part of the senior leadership overseeing the functioning and operational requirements of the Indian Air Force. His elevation comes at a time when the force continues to focus on modernisation, strengthening operational capabilities and preparing for evolving security challenges.

The appointment of the new Air Chief marks a transition in the senior leadership of the Indian Air Force. Dixit’s tenure will place him at the helm of the force as it continues to undertake capability development and modernisation initiatives while maintaining operational readiness.

The Defence Ministry confirmed that Dixit will serve as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, with his appointment carrying the rank of Air Chief Marshal. He will formally assume the position from the afternoon of October 31, following the completion of Singh’s tenure.

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