Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit takes charge as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff

India Today

01-05-2025

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit on Thursday assumed charge as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) at the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff in New Delhi. He succeeds Lt Gen JP Mathew, who retired on April 30 after nearly four decades of distinguished service.Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986, Air Marshal Dixit brings with him close to 40 years of experience across command, staff, and instructional roles.advertisementA graduate of the National Defence Academy, the Defence Services Staff College in Bangladesh, and the National Defence College in New Delhi, he is also a Qualified Flying Instructor and an Experimental Test Pilot with over 3,300 flying hours on more than 20 types of aircraft, including the Mirage-2000, MiG-21, and Jaguar.
During his illustrious career, Air Marshal Dixit commanded a frontline Mirage-2000 squadron, overseeing its re-equipment and operationalisation, including ferrying aircraft from France to India.He also led a key fighter training base in southern India, which was adjudged the best in its command under his leadership. As a test pilot and later the commanding officer of the Flight Test Squadron at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Bangalore, he played a critical role in several indigenous upgrades, including avionics enhancements for Jaguar and MiG-27 aircraft.advertisementAir Marshal Dixit has held key appointments at Air Headquarters, such as Principal Director Air Staff Requirements, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Projects), and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans). Notably, as Director of Air Staff Requirements, he was instrumental in the planning and execution of the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) trials, which were widely recognised for their professionalism and transparency.As Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, he was responsible for the Indian Air Force's capability-building and modernisation efforts, closely aligned with the national goal of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. His leadership during the emergency procurement phases facilitated rapid acquisition of indigenous systems and platforms, significantly contributing to joint capability development.Prior to assuming the role of CISC, Air Marshal Dixit served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command, where he focused on boosting operational preparedness and strengthening inter-service coordination across North and Central India.His service has been recognised with numerous honours, including the Vayu Sena Medal in 2006, the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011, and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal awarded by the President of India for his exceptional service.Must Watch