Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit on Wednesday assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force (IAF), marking a significant leadership transition in the country's air power establishment. He succeeds Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, who retired on Tuesday after rendering nearly four decades of distinguished service to the nation.
A highly decorated officer with an illustrious career spanning almost 40 years, Air Marshal Dixit has played a key role in several major military operations and multinational exercises. His operational experience includes participation in Operation Safed Sagar, Operation Rakshak, Cope India, and Operation Sindoor, reflecting his extensive expertise in both combat and strategic planning.
Over the course of his service, Air Marshal Dixit has held several critical command, operational and staff appointments across the Indian Air Force. Before taking over as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command, where he oversaw operational preparedness and strategic responsibilities across a vast geographical region.
He has also served as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff and as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee, contributing significantly to joint military planning and inter-services coordination.
In recognition of his exceptional leadership and distinguished service to the nation, Air Marshal Dixit has been conferred with some of the Indian Air Force's highest peacetime honours. These include the Vayu Sena Medal (VM), Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM).
His appointment as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff comes at a crucial time as the Indian Air Force continues to strengthen its operational capabilities, modernisation initiatives and joint military preparedness amid evolving regional security challenges.
With his vast operational experience and strategic leadership, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is expected to play a pivotal role in steering the Indian Air Force's future readiness and capability development.
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