Story perspectives

India Approves Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as Air Chief

By Drooid · Oct 6, 2026, 6:13 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

President of India approved Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as Chief of the Air Staff, 31 October 2026.
Dixit’s extensive work on indigenous aircraft programmes, especially the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, was noted.
He has been Vice Chief of the Air Staff since 1 July 2026.
He logged over 3,500 flying hours on Mirage-2000, Jaguar, MiG variants and Tejas.
He received the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026 for distinguished service.

History

Historical Context

The LCA programme, launched in 1983 by the Aeronautical Development Agency and built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, aimed to replace the MiG-21 fleet. After the Tejas squadron entered service in 2016 and the 2006 order for 20 jets was completed in September 2024, the aircraft gained operational clearance in 2019. On 31 October 2026, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit became Chief of the Air Staff, highlighting India’s indigenous fighter drive.

1 of 2

Story summary

President of India approved Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as Chief of the Air Staff, 31 October 2026.
Dixit’s extensive work on indigenous aircraft programmes, especially the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, was noted.
He has been Vice Chief of the Air Staff since 1 July 2026.
He logged over 3,500 flying hours on Mirage-2000, Jaguar, MiG variants and Tejas.
He received the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026 for distinguished service.

1 / 2