Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Becomes IAF Vice Chief

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumed charge as the 51st Vice Chief of the Air Staff on 1 July 2026. He succeeded Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, who superannuated on 30 June 2026 after nearly four decades of service in the Indian Air Force.

Vice Chief of the Air Staff

The Vice Chief of the Air Staff is a senior three-star appointment in the Indian Air Force. The post functions under the Chief of the Air Staff and is part of the Air Headquarters structure in New Delhi.

Career Profile of Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit

Air Marshal Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on 6 December 1986. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, a Qualified Flying Instructor, and an Experimental Test Pilot. He has logged more than 3,300 flying hours on over 20 aircraft types, including the Mirage-2000, MiG-21, and Jaguar.

Chief of Integrated Defence Staff and Tri-Service Integration

Before becoming Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff from 1 May 2025 to 30 June 2026. The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff is the tri-service organisation that supports coordination among the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. During his tenure, he was associated with joint doctrines, RanSamwad 2025 and 2026, Combined and Joint Commanders’ Conferences, and the Defence Forces Vision 2047 roadmap.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Indian Air Force was established on 8 October 1932.
• The Vice Chief of the Air Staff is one of the highest operational appointments in the Indian Air Force.
• The National Defence Academy is located at Khadakwasla in Maharashtra.
• The Param Vishisht Seva Medal is a peacetime distinguished service award in India.

Honours and Awards

Air Marshal Dixit has received the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vayu Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, and Param Vishisht Seva Medal. The Param Vishisht Seva Medal was conferred on him by President Droupadi Murmu during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026.