Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Named Next Vice Chief

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was appointed as the next Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force on 5 June 2026. He is scheduled to assume office on 1 July 2026 and will succeed Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, who took charge as VCAS on 1 January 2026.

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 office 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 served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff at Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff, from 1 May 2025 before his appointment as VCAS.

Flying Experience and Aircraft Types

He is an ace fighter pilot and an experienced test pilot with more than 3,300 hours of flying experience. His flying record includes more than 20 aircraft types, including Mirage-2000, MiG-21, and Jaguar.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Vice Chief of the Air Staff is one of the highest-ranking appointments in the Indian Air Force.
• The Chief of Integrated Defence Staff works at Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff, which coordinates joint military planning.
• Mirage-2000, MiG-21, and Jaguar are fighter aircraft used by the Indian Air Force.
• The Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft programme is linked with India’s fighter aircraft acquisition and evaluation process.

Modernisation and Indigenous Programmes

Air Marshal Dixit has worked on indigenous upgrade programmes for Jaguar and MiG-27 aircraft. He has also been involved in planning trials for the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft programme and in efforts related to jointness among the armed forces.