Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumes charge as 51st Vice Chief of Air Staff

Air Marshal Kapoor superannuated on June 30 after nearly four decades of distinguished service in the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Before taking over as Vice Chief, Air Marshal Dixit served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), an appointment he held since May 1, 2025, where he played a key role in strengthening tri-service integration and advancing India's joint military capabilities.

In a post on X, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) said, "Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, #CISC, relinquished the appointment today after a distinguished tenure marked by transformational leadership and an unwavering commitment to #TriServices integration."

The post added, "Throughout his illustrious journey in uniform, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit epitomised strategic foresight, operational brilliance and inspirational leadership."

According to HQ IDS, his tenure was marked by several key initiatives, including his role in Operation Sindoor, the release of 20 joint doctrines and primers to institutionalise tri-services thinking, the conceptualisation of RanSamwad 2025 and 2026, the conduct of Combined and Joint Commanders' Conferences in 2025 and 2026, and the formulation of the Defence Forces Vision 2047 roadmap for a technology-driven and integrated military.

"HQ_IDS / Chief of Defence Staff conveys its profound appreciation for his outstanding service to the Nation. His enduring contributions towards fostering #TriServices cooperation and #CapabilityDevelopment will continue to inspire future generations of the #IndianArmedForces," the post said.

Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986, Air Marshal Dixit is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, the Defence Services Staff College in Bangladesh, and the National Defence College, New Delhi.

A Qualified Flying Instructor and 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.

During his career, he has held several key operational, command, and staff appointments. He has commanded a Mirage-2000 squadron, a frontline fighter base in the Western Sector, and a premier fighter training base in the Southern Sector.

As Commanding Officer of the Flight Test Squadron at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment in Bengaluru, he contributed to several indigenous upgrade programmes, including avionics upgrades for the Jaguar and MiG-27 aircraft.

He also served as Director of Air Staff Requirements, where he played a key role in the planning and conduct of Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft trials. At Air Headquarters, he held key appointments as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Projects), Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans), and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff before taking over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command.

Air Marshal Dixit also participated in Operation Safed Sagar, the Indian Air Force's air campaign during the 1999 Kargil War, and Operation Rakshak, the long-standing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism campaign in Jammu and Kashmir.

In recognition of his meritorious service, he has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vayu Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal by the President of India. (ANI)