Date: 31 October 2026
By: Team of Boldvoices
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has completed his tenure as Chief of the Air Staff, bringing an end to a distinguished 42-year career in the Indian Air Force. On 31 October 2026, he handed over the leadership of the service to Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, who has been appointed as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff.
The change of command marks an important moment for the Indian Air Force (IAF), as one of its senior fighter pilots concludes his service after leading the force through a significant period of operational activity, modernisation priorities and strategic challenges.
A 42-year journey in uniform
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh’s career reflects four decades of service to the nation. Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on 21 December 1984, he progressed through operational, command and senior leadership appointments before becoming the country’s Air Chief.
He assumed office as Chief of the Air Staff on 30 September 2024. During his tenure, he placed considerable emphasis on operational readiness, strengthening air power and addressing the capability requirements of a modern air force.
His leadership also came during a period when the IAF faced important questions about fighter squadron strength, aircraft availability, indigenous production and the pace of defence modernisation.
Leadership during Operation Sindoor
One of the defining periods of his tenure was Operation Sindoor in May 2025. The operation brought India’s military capabilities and air-defence preparedness into sharp focus.
Under his leadership, the IAF remained central to India’s wider military response. The operation also reinforced the importance of integrated air defence, precision capabilities, surveillance, rapid coordination and the ability to respond to evolving security threats.
Singh’s public remarks on operational preparedness and the need to strengthen the country’s air power kept attention on the long-term requirements of the service. He also spoke candidly about delays affecting indigenous aircraft programmes and the need to build stronger domestic defence capabilities.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit takes charge
The Government of India appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the next Chief of the Air Staff. He assumed the rank of Air Chief Marshal and took charge with effect from the afternoon of 31 October 2026.
Dixit brings extensive operational and technical experience. Commissioned into the fighter stream on 6 December 1986, he has accumulated more than 3,500 hours of flying experience across several aircraft, including the Mirage-2000, MiG variants, Jaguar, Hawk and Tejas.
Before his appointment, he served as Vice Chief of the Air Staff. His earlier responsibilities included leading Central Air Command and serving as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee.
He is also an experimental test pilot and qualified flying instructor. His experience with indigenous aircraft programmes, including the Tejas, is relevant as India continues to pursue greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The challenges awaiting the new Air Chief
The new Chief of the Air Staff inherits a demanding agenda. The IAF must continue strengthening its combat readiness while managing the induction of modern aircraft, improving maintenance and availability, expanding indigenous capabilities and preparing for increasingly complex security environments.
The force also faces the challenge of balancing immediate operational requirements with long-term modernisation. Advanced sensors, unmanned systems, networked operations, air defence and jointness among the three services will remain important areas of focus.
The pace at which India’s domestic aerospace industry can deliver reliable platforms and equipment will also influence the IAF’s future capability.
A chapter closes, the mission continues
As Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh retires after 42 years of service, the Indian Air Force bids farewell to an officer whose career spanned major changes in military aviation and national security.
His tenure included the responsibility of leading the force through Operation Sindoor and addressing the difficult questions surrounding India’s air-power requirements.
The responsibility now passes to Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit. The transition is not merely a change of leadership; it is also an opportunity to carry forward the work of strengthening a force expected to protect India’s airspace and support national security in an increasingly demanding strategic environment.
The uniform may be laid aside, but the contribution of a lifetime in service remains part of the Indian Air Force’s institutional legacy.
#IndianAirForce #APSingh #AshutoshDixit #IAF #OperationSindoor #IndianDefence #DefenceNews #India
