New Delhi:The next command of the Indian Air Force has been handed over to Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit. He will replace the current Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and will take over as the Chief of the Air Force from the afternoon of October 31. At present he is working on the post of Vice Chief of Air Staff. His appointment comes at a time when the Indian Air Force is focusing on rapid modernization, indigenous defense technology and strengthening future air combat capability. Dixit's long operational experience, flying record on different combat aircraft and association with important military operations make him suitable for this responsibility. Ashutosh Dixit was commissioned in the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on 6 December 1986.
He was born on 9 December 1966. During his military education, he received training at the National Defense Academy, Defense Services Staff College and National Defense College. During his nearly 40 years of service, he has risen to the top leadership through various operational and command responsibilities.
Flew many types of fighter and transport aircraft
A special feature of Dixit's career is his extensive flying experience. He has flown on Mirage-2000, various MiG series aircraft, fighter and trainer aircraft such as Jaguar, Kiran, Hawk and Tejas as well as transport and support aircraft such as AN-32, Avro and IL-78. He is reported to have over 3,500 hours of flying experience. He has also been an experimental test pilot and qualified flying instructor.
Long experience of operations and military exercises
Air Marshal Dixit has been associated with many important military operations and international exercises. His career includes important names like Operation Safed Sagar, Operation Rakshak, Cop India and Operation Sindoor. His role during Operation Sindoor also added value to his operational experience. This experience related to planning and conducting air operations in different situations can now prove useful to him in the top command of the Air Force.
Also played responsibility in Southern and South-Western Command
Before reaching the top level, Dixit held important positions in different command structures of the Air Force. He has been Air Defense Commander in Southern Air Command and Senior Air Staff Officer in South Western Air Command. These responsibilities gave him the opportunity to closely understand air security and operational preparedness in different strategic areas of the country.
Eye on Tejas and indigenous technology
Dixit's career was not limited to operational flights only. He has also been associated with Indian aviation and indigenous aerospace programmes. Due to his experience in the development and use of indigenous fighter aircraft like Tejas, he is expected to further enhance self-reliance in the Air Force. During his tenure, there may be special emphasis on indigenous platforms, modern weapon systems, network-based warfare capability and new technology.
Received many big honors during service
Ashutosh Dixit was honored with many prestigious awards during his long military service. He received the Vayu Sena Medal in 2006, the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2023 and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026. Now from October 31, he will have the huge responsibility of strengthening the operational capability of the Indian Air Force along with taking forward modernization and indigenization.