Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit on Wednesday officially took charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force (IAF), succeeding Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, who retired on June 30 after completing four decades of distinguished service.
Commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on December 6, 1986, Air Marshal Dixit is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and the National Defence College. He is a highly experienced fighter pilot with over 3,500 flying hours on multiple aircraft, including Mirage-2000, MiG variants, Jaguar, Hawk, Tejas, An-32, Avro, IL-78, HPT-32, and Kiran.
An Experimental Test Pilot and Qualified Flying Instructor, he has taken part in major operations and exercises such as Operation Safed Sagar, Operation Rakshak, Cope India, and Operation Sindoor.
Over his nearly 40-year career, he has held several key command and staff appointments, including commanding No. 9 Squadron during its transition to Mirage-2000 aircraft and leading frontline air bases in both western and southern sectors.
He has also served in important roles at Air Headquarters, including Principal Director Air Staff Requirements, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Projects and Plans), Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, and senior positions in operational commands. Before this appointment, he served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command and later as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), where he focused on strengthening joint operations among the armed forces.
In recognition of his service, he has been awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (2006), Vishisht Seva Medal (2011), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2023), and Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2026).
He succeeds Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, who retired after 40 years of distinguished service. (Agencies)
