Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Reviews Forward Air Base on First IAF Visit as Chief
New Delhi, November 1, 2026: Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, the 29th Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, made his first official visit to a forward air base after taking charge of the service, choosing a station that holds personal significance because he had earlier served there as commander.
The visit provided Air Chief Marshal Dixit an early opportunity to assess the operational condition of one of the IAF’s frontline bases. During the review, he examined the base’s preparedness, including its capabilities, infrastructure and readiness to carry out assigned operational missions. The focus of the inspection was to ensure that the formation remains fully prepared to respond to emerging operational requirements.
In addition to the operational review, the Air Chief met personnel at the base, including Agniveervayu members and women Agniveervayu. He acknowledged their contribution to strengthening the Indian Air Force’s combat potential and improving its overall operational effectiveness.
He also stressed the role of young air warriors in keeping the IAF ready for action and in meeting the demands of modern air operations, which continue to evolve in pace and complexity.
The visit also marked an early signal of his leadership style at the top of the IAF, with an emphasis on close contact with frontline operational formations and the personnel responsible for safeguarding India’s airspace.
His return to a base he once commanded reinforced the emphasis on operational leadership, readiness and direct engagement with air force personnel serving at the sharp end of India’s military aviation commitments.
