List of Air Chief Marshal of India (1947-2026): Check Full List, Tenure & Current IAF Chief

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) is the professional head and commander of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The CAS is responsible for providing leadership and direction to the Indian Air Force.

As of October 7, 2026, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh is the serving Chief of the Air Staff. He took charge on September 30, 2024.

The Government of India has appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff. He will take charge in the rank of Air Chief Marshal from the afternoon of October 31, 2026, after Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh superannuates from office on the same day.

The Indian Air Force was officially established on October 8, 1932. After Independence, the IAF continued to develop as India's air arm and has played an important role in the country's defence and security.

It is important to note that not every early Chief of the Air Staff held the rank of Air Chief Marshal. The office was initially held by officers in the rank of Air Marshal. Arjan Singh became the first Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force after the rank of the CAS was upgraded following the 1965 India-Pakistan War.

The Indian Air Force, the fourth largest in the world, was officially established on 8 October 1932. The main aim of the IAF is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during armed conflict. 

Let us have a look at the list of Air Chief Marshal (ACM) of India from 1947 to 2026. 

Who Will Be the 29th Chief of the Air Staff in 2026?

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit will become the 29th Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force.

The Government announced his appointment on October 6, 2026. He is currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff.

Air Marshal Dixit will assume office in the rank of Air Chief Marshal on October 31, 2026, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit to be the 29th Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, PVSM, AVSM, VM, VSM, presently Vice Chief of the Air Staff, will assume the appointment of Chief of the Air Staff in the rank of Air Chief Marshal on 31 October 2026. An Experimental Test Pilot and Qualified Flying Instructor, Air Marshal Dixit has over 3,500 hours of flying experience and has held several key operational and strategic appointments, including CISC, HQ IDS and AOC-in-C, Central Air Command. He will succeed Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh on completion of his tenure. The Indian Air Force welcomes the appointment of its next Chief. #IndianAirForce #IAF @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD @HQ_IDS_India @adgpi @CareerinIAF @air_veterans

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) October 6, 2026

Key Facts About the 29th IAF Chief

List of Air Chief Marshal of Indian Air Force From 1947 to 2026

Here is the co,plete list of of the Air Chief Marshal of Indian Air Force From 1947 to 2026 given below in the table format:

The highest rank in India's IAF is "Marshal of the Indian Air Force", which is conferred by the President of India only for exceptional service for the nation.

To date, only Arjan Singh was honoured with the post of "Marshal of the Indian Air" in 2002 for his distinguished service in commanding the IAF during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.