Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit took charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force on 31 October 2026, succeeding Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, who retired. Dixit was Vice Chief of the Air Staff before this. Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia becomes the new Vice Chief from 1 November 2026.
Understand the topic
Who commands the armed forces? Under Article 53(2) of the Constitution, the President is the Supreme Commander of the Army, Navy and Air Force. But real control rests with the elected government: the Union Cabinet and the Ministry of Defence.
How is a service chief chosen? The Chief of the Air Staff, like the Army and Navy chiefs, is appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by the Prime Minister. The chief is the professional head of the service, and the Vice Chief is second in command.
Where does the Chief of Defence Staff fit? The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), a post created in 2019, sits above coordination of all three services. The CDS heads the Department of Military Affairs in the Ministry of Defence and is the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, which includes the three service chiefs.
Indian Air Force basics: The IAF was formed on 8 October 1932, which is why 8 October is observed as Air Force Day. Its headquarters is in New Delhi.
Key facts for quick revision
- New chief: Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, 29th Chief of the Air Staff (from 31 October 2026)
- Predecessor: Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh
- New Vice Chief: Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia (from 1 November 2026)
- Appointing body: Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, chaired by the PM
- Supreme Commander: the President, Article 53(2)
Source: PIB, Ministry of Defence
