Who is Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit? All About India’s New Chief of Air Staff | Today’s news
Ace fighter and test pilot Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the next Deputy Chief of Air Staff. The officer, who currently serves as the Chief of the Integrated Defense Staff (CISC) at the Integrated Defense Staff Headquarters in New Delhi, has played a key role in strengthening the cohesiveness of the Defense Forces as they move towards Theaterization.
During his various stints at the Air Command, he played a key role in supporting indigenous fighter jet projects in the Air Force. Considered to be a key figure in the modernization of the Indian Air Force, the Air Marshal was inducted into the combat stream of the armed forces on 6 December 1986. He served as the Chief of Air Staff in the capacity of Air Chief Command from 1 September 2024 to 30 April 2025 before taking over as CISC.
Graduate of National Defense Academy, Khadakwasla; Defense Services Staff College (Bangladesh) and National Defense College, New Delhi, is a qualified flying instructor. He is a qualified experimental test pilot and has more than 3,300 hours of flying time in more than 20 types of aircraft, including Mirage-2000, MiG-21 and Jaguar.
Awards and honors
The Air Marshal held a number of command, staff and instructional positions during a distinguished career that spanned nearly four decades. He was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva, Vishisht Seva and Vayu Sena Medals for his outstanding contribution to tribal upgradations and development programmes.
“Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit also commanded the premier fighter training base in the Southern Sector, where his leadership led to the base being rated as the best in the command. As a test pilot and later Squadron Leader of the Test Squadron at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment, Bangalore, he was involved in several indigenous upgrades and avionics development programs of the Ministry of MiG2. Defense said in a press release when the Air Marshal assumed office as CISC.
He added: “As Director of Air Personnel Requirements, he played a key role in the planning and execution of trials for medium multi-role combat aircraft.
When will Ashutosh Dixit take office?
As of July 1, 2026, he is expected to assume the position of the new Deputy Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
