The Government of India on Friday appointed Ashutosh Dixit as the next Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF). He is scheduled to assume charge of the post on July 1.
Currently serving as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) at the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Air Marshal Dixit brings with him more than three decades of distinguished service in the Indian Air Force.
A highly accomplished officer, he is a qualified test pilot, flying instructor and fighter combat leader with over 3,300 hours of flying experience. During his career, he has flown more than 20 types of aircraft, including the Mirage-2000, MiG-21, Jaguar and Hawk.
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. Over the years, he has held several key command, staff and instructional appointments across the force.
He also commanded a premier fighter training base in southern India, which was adjudged the best in its command during his tenure.
As a test pilot and later Commanding Officer of the Flight Test Squadron at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment, Air Marshal Dixit played a significant role in indigenous aircraft upgrade and development programmes. His contributions included avionics upgrade projects for the Jaguar and MiG-27 fighter aircraft.
During his tenure as Director of Air Staff Requirements, he was closely involved in the planning and execution of the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) trials, one of the Indian Air Force’s most significant fighter aircraft acquisition programmes.
He has also been credited with promoting indigenous defence projects and supporting the modernisation of the Indian Air Force through various assignments at Air Headquarters.
In recognition of his distinguished service, Air Marshal Dixit has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal and Vayu Sena Medal.
With his extensive operational, testing and leadership experience, Air Marshal Dixit is set to take over as the Indian Air Force’s second-highest-ranking officer from July 1.