Major IAF Leadership Transition: Ashutosh Dixit Becomes Vice Chief, Tejinder Singh Takes Over as CISC

In a significant leadership transition within the Indian Air Force , two senior officers assumed key appointments on July 1 , marking an important phase in the country’s higher defence command structure.

Ashutosh Dixit has taken over as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff , bringing with him nearly four decades of distinguished service marked by extensive operational experience , advanced flying credentials, and leadership across multiple command roles.

Ashutosh Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream in 1986 and has accumulated more than 3500 hours of flying across a wide range of aircraft including Mirage 2000, MiG variants, Jaguar, Tejas, and others. A qualified flying instructor and experimental test pilot , he has been closely associated with major operations and exercises such as Op Safed Sagar, Op Rakshak, Cope India, and Op Sindoor . His career spans key roles in training, operational planning, air defence, and command leadership across major air commands.

Prior to this appointment, Ashutosh Dixit served as Air Officer Commanding in Chief of Central Air Command and later as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee, where he worked extensively on strengthening jointness and integration among the armed forces.

He succeeds Nagesh Kapoor , who superannuated after a long and distinguished career spanning four decades.

In a parallel development, Tejinder Singh assumed charge as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) , one of the most important tri-services coordination roles in the Indian defence establishment.

Tejinder Singh is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and other premier military institutions. He is a Category A qualified flying instructor with over 4500 hours of flying experience . His operational and staff appointments include command of fighter squadrons, radar stations, air bases, and key strategic positions within Air Headquarters and Integrated Defence Staff.

Before this elevation, Tejinder Singh served as Air Officer Commanding in Chief of South Western Air Command . His career reflects strong contributions in operational planning, strategy formulation, training, and defence integration, along with key leadership roles in safety and higher defence management.

Both Ashutosh Dixit and Tejinder Singh have been decorated for distinguished service to the nation , reflecting decades of commitment to strengthening India’s air power and defence preparedness.