New Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, List of All Air Chief

Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the next Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Government of India announced his appointment on 6 October 2026.

He will assume charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff in the rank of Air Chief Marshal from the afternoon of 31 October 2026, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who will retire on the same day.

Who is Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit?

Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is a veteran fighter pilot who has served in several key operational, training and command positions in the Indian Air Force. With more than four decades of service, he currently serves as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff.

• He was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986.
• Over his career, he has flown more than 3,500 hours on aircraft including the Mirage-2000, MiG variants, Kiran, Jaguar, IL-78, Hawk and Tejas.
• He is an Experimental Test Pilot as well as a Qualified Flying Instructor.
• His operational experience includes participation in Operation Safed Sagar, Operation Rakshak and Operation Sindoor.
• He has commanded a frontline fighter air base in the Western Sector and a premier fighter training base in the Southern Sector.
• He has also held senior positions including Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command and assignments at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff.
• His career has involved responsibilities related to flying operations, training, operational planning and higher defence management.
• He has also been associated with the IAF's focus on unmanned systems and emerging military technologies, including the first IAF Dronathon-2026 held at the Pokhran Field Firing Range.
• His military honours include the Vayu Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Param Vishisht Seva Medal.

What is the Chief of the Air Staff?

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) is the professional head of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and is responsible for the overall command and administration of the force.

• The CAS oversees the operational preparedness, training, organisation and modernisation of the IAF and plays an important role in defence planning and national security.
• The CAS holds the rank of Air Chief Marshal, a four-star rank, and serves as the principal military adviser to the Government of India on matters related to the Indian Air Force.
• The Chief of the Air Staff is appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) and normally serves for three years or until the age of 62 years, whichever is earlier.

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Chief of the Air Staff Role and Responsibilities 

The major responsibilities of the CAS include:

• Command of the IAF: Exercises command over the Indian Air Force as its professional head.
• Administration: Responsible for the administration and organisation of the IAF under the overall control of the Central Government.
• Personnel Management: Exercises powers relating to the appointment, promotion, discipline and other service matters of Air Force personnel under the applicable laws and regulations.
• Operational Readiness: Ensures that the IAF maintains the required level of operational preparedness and effectiveness.
• Force Development: Oversees the development of the IAF’s organisation, capabilities and resources to meet its operational requirements.
• Disciplinary Powers: Exercises specified disciplinary and administrative powers under the Air Force Act and applicable regulations.
• Defence Planning: Contributes to broader defence planning and military decision-making in matters concerning air power and the IAF.

List of Chiefs of the Air Staff of India

The following is the chronological list of Chiefs of the Air Staff since Independence: