Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on 06 December 1986. The Air Force officer is an experimental test pilot and a qualified flying instructor having over 3300 hours of flying experience on various types of aircraft of the IAF. He is an alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College (Bangladesh) and National Defence College. He has actively participated in several operations and exercises like Operation Safed Sagar and Operation Rakshak. In recognition of his commendable services, he has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vayu Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal by His Excellency the President.
During his illustrious career spanning over 37 years, the Air Force officer has served on several important field and staff appointments. As a Commanding Officer, he commanded a Squadron of the IAF equipped with the state-of-the-art Mirage aircraft and later commanded a front-line fighter air base in the Western Sector and a premier fighter training base in the Southern Sector. He has served as Directing Staff at the Air Force Test Pilot School and on the staff appointment of Principal Director Air Staff Requirements at Air Headquarters. The Air Force officer held the responsibility of Air Defence Commander of Southern Air Command and also served as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Projects) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Planning) at Air Headquarters.
Prior to taking over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command, he was serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff. During his previous tenure, the Air Officer led several important projects along with adoption of future technologies and ensured that the Indian Air Force achieves the goal of modernization with a constant focus on 'Atmanirbharta'. To ensure that the Indian Air Force successfully achieves its goal, operational readiness of Central Air Command in all scenarios will be the top priority of the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief.
