Ashutosh Dixit takes charge as India’s 29th Air Force chief
Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit became Chief of the Air Staff on October 31, succeeding AP Singh after the latter’s retirement.
The story in brief
The Defence Ministry confirmed the change in two October 31 releases. Dixit is the Indian Air Force’s 29th chief; Singh retired after a service career spanning 42 years.12 Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream on December 6, 1986, and served as Vice Chief immediately before this appointment. His career has included operational command, flight testing, capability development and joint-staff assignments.1
The official biography records more than 3,500 flying hours and earlier service as Deputy Chief and head of Central Air Command. Those posts involved capability planning and command responsibilities; the announcement identifies who now leads the service.1
Who this matters for: Readers following India’s defence leadership
Sources
- 1Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumes charge as Chief of the Air Staff ↗Government of India / Press Information Bureau · 31 October 2026
- 2Air Chief Marshal AP Singh superannuates after 42 years of service ↗Government of India / Press Information Bureau · 31 October 2026
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