New Delhi: Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit took charge as the 29th chief of air staff on Saturday. He succeeds Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who also retired on Saturday after 42 years of service in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
ACM Dixit was serving as vice-chief of air staff before his elevation. He brings nearly four decades of experience in fighter operations, flight testing, capability development and joint military planning.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, ACM Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on December 6, 1986. He is a fighter pilot, qualified flying instructor and experimental test pilot. He has more than 3,300 hours of flying experience across a range of aircraft, including the Mirage 2000, various MiG variants, the Jaguar and several transport aircraft.
ACM Dixit played a role in finalizing the Jaguar and MiG-27 upgrade projects. He also contributed to the completion of the initial operational clearance and final operational clearance activities of the indigenous Tejas Mk-1 light combat aircraft.
His operational command assignments include a Mirage 2000 squadron and a forward base support unit in the western sector. He also commanded Air Force Station Bidar, a fighter-training base of the IAF.
ACM Dixit later served as air defence commander at Southern Air Command and senior air staff officer at South Western Air Command. As deputy chief of air staff, he oversaw capability development and procurement initiatives.
He took over as air officer commanding-in-chief of Central Air Command on September 1, 2024. He then moved to headquarters Integrated Defence Staff as chief of integrated defence staff to the chairman of the chiefs of staff committee. He held this tri-service appointment during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
He assumed charge as vice-chief of air staff on July 1, 2026, before taking over as the IAF chief. His career also includes experience in joint planning and coordination among the Army, Navy and Air Force.
ACM Dixit is a graduate of the Defence Services Command and Staff College and the National Defence College in New Delhi. He has received the Vayu Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Param Vishisht Seva Medal.
ACM AP Singh retires after 42 years of service
ACM Amar Preet Singh retired on Saturday after a career spanning 42 years. A fighter pilot and experimental test pilot, he led the IAF during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack.
The defence ministry, in its statement marking his retirement, highlighted his contributions to the IAF’s operational capabilities, combat preparedness and modernization. It also acknowledged his leadership during Operation Sindoor.
In its farewell post on X, the IAF highlighted ACM Singh’s focus on operational readiness, indigenization, innovation and emerging technologies during his tenure. It also recalled his engagement with personnel across ranks, and said he emphasized professionalism, accountability and initiative.
The IAF wished ACM Singh and his wife, Sarita Singh, the best for the years ahead. It said his leadership and enduring connection with personnel would continue to inspire future generations.