Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS)
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force. Learn about the VCAS, his career profile, and key UPSC facts.
Why in News?
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF). He will assume office on 1 July 2026, succeeding Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor.
Key Highlights
Appointment as VCAS
- Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was appointed as the next Vice Chief of the Air Staff on 5 June 2026.
- He will take charge on 1 July 2026.
- He succeeds Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, who assumed the post on 1 January 2026.
Career Profile
- Air Marshal Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on 6 December 1986.
- Prior to his appointment, he served as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CIDS) at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff from 1 May 2025.
- He has held several operational, command, and staff appointments during his career.
Flying Experience
- He is an ace fighter pilot and an experienced test pilot.
- He has accumulated over 3,300 hours of flying experience.
- He has flown more than 20 aircraft types, including:
- Mirage-2000
- MiG-21
- Jaguar
Related Organisations and Institutions
Indian Air Force (IAF)
- Established: 8 October 1932
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Chief: Chief of the Air Staff (CAS)
- Responsible for safeguarding India’s airspace and conducting aerial warfare.
Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS)
- A senior three-star Air Marshal rank appointment.
- Functions under the Chief of the Air Staff.
- Assists in operational planning, force modernisation, administration, and policy implementation.
Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS)
- Facilitates coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Supports joint military planning and integration.
- Functions under the Department of Military Affairs.
Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) Prelims Facts
- The Vice Chief of the Air Staff is one of the highest-ranking appointments in the Indian Air Force.
- Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was commissioned on 6 December 1986.
- He served as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff from 1 May 2025.
- Mirage-2000, MiG-21, and Jaguar are fighter aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force.
- HQ IDS is responsible for promoting jointness among the armed forces.
- The Indian Air Force was established in 1932.
