Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit named new Chief of Air Staff

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, a decorated officer of the Indian Air Force, has been selected to lead the service as its Chief of Air Staff. The appointment comes as part of the scheduled transition in senior military leadership within the defence establishment.

Dixit will formally assume office on October 31, taking over from the current Chief of Air Staff. The appointment follows established protocols for succession planning within the Indian Armed Forces, ensuring continuity in operational command and strategic direction of the air force.

As Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Dixit will assume overall responsibility for operational preparedness, force modernisation, and personnel management across the Indian Air Force. The position represents the apex of the air service hierarchy and places the officer at the centre of India's aerial defence and strategic airpower capabilities.

The Indian Air Force, one of Asia's largest air forces, operates an extensive fleet of combat aircraft and conducts operations spanning homeland security, strategic deterrence, and international peacekeeping missions. The appointment of Dixit underscores the Indian military's focus on maintaining operational readiness and leadership continuity.