AirForce – Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Takes Charge as New Vice Chief of Air Staff
AirForce – Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit officially assumed office as the 51st Vice Chief of the Air Staff on Wednesday, taking over from Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, who retired on June 30 after completing nearly 40 years of distinguished service in the Indian Air Force. The appointment marks an important leadership transition at a time when India continues to focus on strengthening military preparedness and enhancing coordination among its armed forces.
Leadership Change at Air Headquarters
Before stepping into his new role, Air Marshal Dixit served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), a position he had held since May 1, 2025. During his tenure, he worked extensively on improving cooperation between the Army, Navy, and Air Force while supporting efforts to build a more integrated defence structure. His leadership was widely associated with initiatives aimed at improving operational coordination and long-term strategic planning across the three services.
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, whom Dixit succeeds, concluded an illustrious career spanning almost four decades. His retirement brings to a close years of service during which he held several senior appointments within the Indian Air Force.
Integrated Defence Staff Highlights Key Contributions
The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff acknowledged Air Marshal Dixit’s contribution in a message shared on X, praising his leadership and commitment to advancing joint military capabilities. The organisation described his tenure as one marked by strategic planning, professional excellence, and a strong focus on strengthening cooperation among the three armed services.
Officials also highlighted several major initiatives completed during his leadership. These included contributions to Operation Sindoor, the publication of 20 joint military doctrines and reference documents, the planning of RanSamwad 2025 and 2026, and the successful organisation of Combined and Joint Commanders’ Conferences in both years. He also played a significant role in preparing the Defence Forces Vision 2047 roadmap, which outlines India’s long-term objective of building a technology-driven and integrated military force.
Extensive Operational and Flying Experience
Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986, Air Marshal Dixit has built a career covering operational flying, testing, training, and senior staff responsibilities. He graduated from the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla and later completed higher military education at the Defence Services Staff College in Bangladesh and the National Defence College in New Delhi.
A Qualified Flying Instructor and Experimental Test Pilot, he has accumulated more than 3,300 flying hours across over 20 aircraft variants. His flying experience includes advanced combat aircraft such as the Mirage-2000, MiG-21, and Jaguar, reflecting decades of frontline operational expertise.
Command Roles Across the Indian Air Force
Throughout his career, Air Marshal Dixit has commanded several important operational formations. These include a Mirage-2000 fighter squadron, a frontline fighter air base in the western sector, and a major fighter training establishment in southern India.
He also led the Flight Test Squadron at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment in Bengaluru, where he contributed to indigenous aircraft modernisation projects, including avionics upgrades for the Jaguar and MiG-27 fleets. Later, while serving as Director of Air Staff Requirements, he was closely involved in planning and conducting the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft evaluation process.
His senior appointments at Air Headquarters included Assistant Chief of the Air Staff for Projects, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff for Plans, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command before taking charge as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff.
Distinguished Service Recognised
Air Marshal Dixit also participated in major military operations, including Operation Safed Sagar during the 1999 Kargil conflict and Operation Rakshak in Jammu and Kashmir. His service has been recognised with several prestigious honours awarded by the President of India, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, the Vayu Sena Medal, and the Vishisht Seva Medal. With his appointment as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, the Indian Air Force enters a new phase under a leader with extensive operational experience and a proven record in advancing joint defence capabilities.