New IAF Chief Ashutosh Dixit Discusses Future Strategy with Rajnath Singh

In a meeting held on Wednesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh briefed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit on the strategic priorities awaiting the next Indian Air Force chief. The conversation highlighted the IAF’s focus on enhancing combat readiness, accelerating indigenous defence production and integrating cutting‑edge technologies. Dixit, who will take over from Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh on 31 October, has a rich background that includes flying Mirage‑2000, MiG‑29, Jaguar, HPT‑32, AN‑32, Avro, Kiran, IL‑78, Hawk and the domestically built Tejas. He has also served as an experimental test pilot and qualified flying instructor, as well as holding senior staff roles such as commander of the Central Air Command and chief of the Integrated Defence Staff. The minister congratulated him and emphasized the importance of continuity in modernising the force while addressing future threats.