New Delhi: The Union government on Tuesday named Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the 29th Chief of Air Staff, announcing that he will take over from Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who retires on October 31.
He takes charge as IAF grapples with a worrying shortage of fighter jets, and several key programmes to bolster its capabilities need to be accelerated. The appointment also comes at a pivotal moment as the armed forces advance theaterisation, a long-awaited reform designed to integrate the military’s resources for future conflicts. “During his illustrious career, the Air Marshal has held a number of significant field and staff appointments. Before assuming charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Dixit served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command.
The operational capability of the IAF has improved with the Air Officer’s contribution in various capacities,” the defence ministry said in a statement.
On September 22, he said technical issues delaying the delivery of the LCA Mk-1A are expected to be resolved within two months, clearing the way for its induction into the IAF. On October 3, Air Chief Marshal Singh said the delay in inducting new fighter jets is hurting the IAF, and the country needs to produce up to 40 aircraft a year to plug capability gaps and build long-term combat strength. The IAF is counting on the timely induction of the LCA Mk-1A, new multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) and additional Sukhoi-30MKIs to shore up its fighter fleet and keep the number of its combat squadrons from falling below 30 compared to a sanctioned 42.5.
The delayed indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) is expected to enter service shortly after he assumes office.
He said two or three technical issues must be resolved before the fighter can enter service. His comments came days after HAL chairman Ravi K said the aerospace major will begin delivering the LCA Mk-1A to the IAF by the end of this year after resolving the final radar and weapons-integration issues.
