Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Takes Charge as 29th IAF Chief, A.P. Singh Retires After 42 Years

October 31, 2026

New Delhi: Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit on Saturday took charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, succeeding Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, who retired after completing 42 years of military service.

Before handing over command, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh paid tribute to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. He was later accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Parade Ground of the Air Force Station.

Air Chief Marshal Singh led the Indian Air Force (IAF) during Operation Sindoor and played a key role in strengthening its operational capabilities and combat preparedness.

In a statement, the IAF described his tenure as Chief of the Air Staff as one marked by decisive leadership and a strong focus on operational readiness.

“His tenure as the Chief of the Air Staff was marked by decisive leadership and an unwavering focus on operational readiness, particularly during Operation SINDOOR, wherein the Indian Air Force demonstrated its combat capability, operational precision and resolve in the service of national objectives,” the IAF said.

The force also highlighted his contribution to modernisation, indigenisation and the adoption of emerging technologies. It said he maintained a close connection with air warriors across the organisation and consistently encouraged professionalism, accountability and initiative among personnel.

President Droupadi Murmu and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also extended their wishes to the outgoing Air Chief, praising his distinguished service, leadership and contribution to the nation. Defence Minister Singh acknowledged his role during Operation Sindoor.

Who Is New IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit?

Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and was commissioned into the Fighter Stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986.

With a career spanning nearly four decades, he has served in several key operational, flight testing, capability development and joint staff assignments.

An accomplished fighter pilot, Qualified Flying Instructor and Experimental Test Pilot, Dixit has more than 3,300 hours of flying experience on different aircraft, including the Mirage-2000, various MiG variants, Jaguar and several transport aircraft.

According to the IAF, he made significant contributions to the modernisation of the force. He was instrumental in finalising the Jaguar and MiG-27 upgrade projects and completing the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) and Final Operational Clearance (FOC) activities of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-I Tejas.

Dixit’s Key Command and Leadership Assignments

During his career, Dixit commanded a Mirage-2000 squadron, a Forward Base Support Unit in the Western Sector and Air Force Station Bidar, a key fighter training base of the IAF.

He also served as Air Defence Commander at Southern Air Command, Senior Air Staff Officer at South Western Air Command and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, where he handled important capability development and procurement initiatives.

He later commanded Central Air Command as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief and served as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee during Operation Sindoor. Before taking over as the Air Chief, he was serving as the Vice-Chief of the Air Staff.

Air Chief Marshal Dixit is also a graduate of the Defence Services Command and Staff College in Bangladesh and the National Defence College in New Delhi.

He has received several military honours, including the Vayu Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Param Vishisht Seva Medal for his distinguished service.

The Indian Air Force wished Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and his wife, Sarita Singh, the very best for the years ahead, saying his leadership and connection with air warriors would continue to inspire future generations.