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On the defense and security front of the country, a historic administrative and strategic change has been witnessed in the Indian Air Force. Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has formally taken over as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force. He is Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, who has retired after 43 years of distinguished and dedicated service in the Air Force. Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is counted among those few officers of the Air Force who have mastered everything from flying fighter aircraft to implementing policy and strategic plans at the ground level. After inspecting the Guard of Honor in a dignified ceremony organized at ‘Vayu Bhawan’, the Air Force Headquarters in New Delhi, he took charge of the security of the country’s air border. Let us know in this detailed special report how has been the military journey of the new Air Force Chief Ashutosh Dixit and what will be his vision for the modernization of the Air Force in the coming times.
Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit’s military journey is full of extraordinary achievements and unmatched examples of service to the country. He is an alumnus of the National Defense Academy (NDA) and was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in December 1986. During his distinguished military career spanning over 33 years, he has gained wide experience of flying various types of fighter, transport and training aircraft. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) as well as an Experimental Test Pilot. During his service in the Air Force, he has commanded many important frontline air bases and fighter squadrons. Air Chief Marshal Dixit has also played an important role in promoting self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in the country’s defense sector and integration of modern fighter jets and indigenous defense technologies.
According to strategic affairs experts, Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is considered the mastermind behind the modernization of the Indian Air Force fleet and new operations. Just before becoming the Chief of the Air Force, he was serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff. He had made significant contribution in strengthening the defense preparedness during the historic ‘Operation Sindoor’. Additionally, he played a leading role in testing and acceptance of indigenous weapon systems and new missile systems while holding several highly important positions such as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (Central Air Command) and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff at Air Headquarters, Ministry of Defence. For his extraordinary services, he has been decorated with Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Vayu Sena Medal (VM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).
Ashutosh Dixit is taking over the command of the Indian Air Force at a time when the global and regional security scenario is changing rapidly. His primary responsibilities will include keeping the Air Force on constant 24×7 alert in view of the ongoing geopolitical tensions on the northern and western borders. Apart from this, procurement of new fighter aircraft, expediting the delivery of indigenous Tejas Mk-1A (LCA Tejas Mk-1A), induction of drones and Artificial Intelligence (AI) based state-of-the-art surveillance system in the fleet will top his priority list. Defense experts believe that under the visionary leadership of Air Chief Marshal Dixit, the Indian Air Force will make historic progress towards the formation of ‘theater commands’ and better coordination between the three services (land, water and air).
The Defense Minister, veterans of the three services and former military officers have congratulated Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit on taking over as the Chief of the Air Force. The country’s military leadership has expressed confidence that on the strength of their rich experience, determination and modern thinking, the Indian Air Force will reach new heights on the security and strategic front. A huge enthusiasm is being seen among the common citizens and the youth regarding the appointment of the new Air Force Chief. As soon as he assumes command, the new Chief has made it clear that the Indian Air Force will be ready at all times with highest readiness and state-of-the-art capabilities to protect the sovereignty and borders of the country.