Veteran combat pilot Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit named new IAF chief

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit takes over as Chief of Air Staff following a career marked by operational expertise and command experience. The senior officer has accumulated over 3,500 flying hours across multiple aircraft platforms, demonstrating substantial technical proficiency in military aviation.

Dixit's operational experience includes participation in major IAF campaigns. He served as a frontline pilot during Operation Sindoor, India's air strikes against terrorist camps, and played a role in Operation Safed Sagar, the air component of military operations during the 1999 Kargil conflict.

Throughout his career, Dixit has piloted some of India's most advanced and combat-proven aircraft. His flying experience encompasses the Mirage-2000 multirole fighter, the Jaguar ground-attack aircraft, various MiG variants, and the indigenously-developed Tejas light combat aircraft. This diverse portfolio reflects his capability to operate across the IAF's fleet spectrum.

The appointment positions Dixit to lead the air force during a period of modernization and strategic importance for India's defence capabilities. His operational background and experience with both legacy and next-generation platforms make him well-positioned to address the service's operational and developmental priorities in the coming years.