New Delhi: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, an accomplished fighter pilot and highly experienced test pilot, has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of the Air Staff. He will assume his new role on July 1.
Role in Jointness and Modernisation
Currently serving as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) at Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff, Air Marshal Dixit has played a pivotal role in enhancing jointness among the defence forces as they move towards theaterisation. He has also been instrumental in modernising the Indian Air Force (IAF) and promoting indigenous fighter projects during his various tenures at Air Headquarters.
Extensive Flying Experience
A qualified flying instructor and experimental test pilot, Air Marshal Dixit has logged over 3,300 flying hours on more than 20 types of aircraft, including the Mirage-2000, MiG-21, and Jaguar. He has commanded a Mirage 2000 Squadron, a frontline fighter base in the western sector, and a premier fighter training base. He participated in Operation Safed Sagar and Operation Rakshak.
Previous Key Positions
Earlier in his career, Air Marshal Dixit served as Air Defence Commander of Southern Air Command and Senior Air Staff Officer of South Western Air Command. As a test pilot and later Commanding Officer of the Flight Test Squadron at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment in Bangalore, he was involved in several indigenous upgrades and development programmes, including avionics upgrades for the Jaguar and MiG-27.
Role in Fighter Trials
As Director of Air Staff Requirements, he played a key role in planning and conducting the medium multi-role combat aircraft trials.
Career Milestones
Air Marshal Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on December 6, 1986. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla; Defence Services Staff College (Bangladesh); and National Defence College, New Delhi.
