A. P. Singh Retires as Chief of the Air Staff

Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh retired from the Indian Air Force on 31 October 2026, completing a 25-month tenure as its 28th Chief of the Air Staff. He assumed office on 30 September 2024. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit succeeded him as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, taking charge on the afternoon of 31 October. The government announced Dixit’s appointment on 6 October.

Final flights and farewell events

On 12 October, Singh flew his last fighter sortie on the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft over Jodhpur during Exercise Tarang Shakti. His final flight in uniform took place on 20 October in an HJT-16 Kiran Mk-1 trainer at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, with his first flying instructor, retired Wing Commander V. S. Kochhar.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hosted a farewell on 26 October, followed by a dinner on 27 October and a party on 28 October. A ceremonial Guard of Honour was scheduled at Air Force Station, New Delhi, on Singh’s last day in office. The traditional golfing-out event was cancelled because the Indian Air Force Sports Complex on Lok Kalyan Marg was closed in connection with government land reclamation efforts.

At his final press conference as Air Chief on 3 October, Singh said India needed 36 to 40 new fighter jets annually.

Important Facts for Exams

• Institutional seats: The Chief of the Air Staff is a permanent member of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, National Security Council, Defence Planning Committee and Defence Acquisition Council.
• Appointment route: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet selects the Chief of the Air Staff, comprising the Prime Minister and Defence Minister, on Air Headquarters’ recommendation.
• Tenure limit: Under the Air Force Regulations, the Chief of the Air Staff retires after three years in office or at age 62, whichever comes first.
• Operational rank distinction: The Marshal of the Indian Air Force rank has no operational duties, leaving the Chief of the Air Staff as the force’s highest operationally active officer.