Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumed charge as the new Chief of the Indian Air Force on Saturday, succeeding Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who retired after a 43-year career in the force.
Dixit was serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff before taking over as IAF chief. He played a key role in Operation Sindoor and is recognised for his expertise in strategic planning.
Before becoming Vice Chief, Dixit served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee at the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff.
With nearly four decades of service, Dixit has flown more than 3,500 hours on a wide range of aircraft. His flying experience includes the Mirage-2000, Jaguar, MiG variants, Tejas, Hawk, Kiran, An-32 and IL-78. He is a fighter pilot, experimental test pilot and qualified flying instructor.
His service record includes participation in major operations and exercises such as Operation Safed Sagar, Operation Rakshak, Cope India and Operation Sindoor.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, the Defence Services Staff College in Bangladesh and the National Defence College, Dixit began his career with an instructional assignment at the Air Force Test Pilots School. He later took command of a fighter squadron.
During his career, Dixit commanded a frontline fighter base in the Western Sector and a fighter training base in the Southern Sector. He also served as Air Defence Commander of Southern Air Command.
At Air Headquarters, he held several senior appointments, including Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Projects), Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans) and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff.
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