Ashutosh Dixit Takes Charge as 29th Chief of Air Staff, Succeeds AP Singh

Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, an accomplished fighter pilot with nearly 3,500 flying hours across 20 aircraft types, assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday. He succeeds Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who retired after an illustrious 42-year career in the service.

Dixit, who previously served as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, takes charge at a time when India is strengthening its military capabilities amid an evolving regional security environment. He also played a key role in Operation Sindoor, which demonstrated the IAF's operational precision and combat capabilities.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on December 6, 1986. A qualified flying instructor and experimental test pilot, he has flown several aircraft, including the Mirage-2000, MiG variants and Jaguar.

During his four-decade career, he contributed significantly to defence modernisation, particularly the Jaguar and MiG-27 upgrade projects and the Initial and Final Operational Clearance activities of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-I.

His assignments included commanding a Mirage-2000 squadron, Air Force Station Bidar and Central Air Command. He also served as Air Defence Commander at Southern Air Command, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff and Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee. He is a graduate of the Defence Services Command and Staff College, Bangladesh, and the National Defence College, New Delhi. His awards include the Vayu Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Param Vishisht Seva Medal.

Meanwhile, the IAF paid tribute to outgoing Chief AP Singh, highlighting his contribution to operational readiness, combat preparedness and modernisation. He played a pivotal role in executing Operation Sindoor, during which the IAF demonstrated its combat capability and strategic resolve.

Before handing over charge, Singh received a ceremonial guard of honour at the Race Course Air Force Station. The IAF also praised his personal connection with air warriors and his interactions with personnel at the grassroots level, reflecting his belief that the strength of the force rests in its people.