List of Air Chief Marshal of India (1947–2026): Full List, Tenure and Current IAF Chief
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) is the professional head and operational commander of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The CAS provides overall military leadership to the IAF and plays a central role in planning, preparedness, modernisation and the employment of India’s air power.
As of October 7, 2026, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh is the serving Chief of the Air Staff. He assumed office on September 30, 2024. His tenure is scheduled to end on October 31, 2026, when he superannuates.
The Government of India has appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff. He will take charge from the afternoon of October 31, 2026, in the rank of Air Chief Marshal. The appointment was officially announced by the Ministry of Defence on October 6, 2026.
Current and Next IAF Chief in 2026
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Chief of the Air Staff | Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh |
| Assumed office | September 30, 2024 |
| Current status | Serving as of October 7, 2026 |
| Next Chief of the Air Staff | Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit |
| Position before becoming CAS | Vice Chief of the Air Staff |
| Appointment announced | October 6, 2026 |
| Date of taking charge | October 31, 2026 |
| Rank on assuming office | Air Chief Marshal |
| Number of incoming Chief | 29th CAS |
| Predecessor | Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh |
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit will succeed Amar Preet Singh and assume the office in the rank of Air Chief Marshal from the afternoon of October 31, 2026.
What Is the Chief of the Air Staff?
The Chief of the Air Staff is the senior-most serving officer of the Indian Air Force. The position carries responsibility for the professional direction and leadership of the service.
The CAS is involved in major areas such as:
- Operational preparedness of the Indian Air Force
- Strategic planning and air-power employment
- Training and professional development
- Modernisation of aircraft, weapons and support systems
- Development of operational capabilities
- Personnel administration and leadership
- Coordination with India’s other armed services
- Strengthening India’s ability to respond to air and security threats
The office has evolved considerably since Independence, particularly as the IAF moved from its early post-Partition structure toward a modern air force with increasingly sophisticated aircraft, weapons, sensors and networked capabilities.
Important Note: Air Marshal vs Air Chief Marshal
The phrase “List of Air Chief Marshal of India” is commonly used in general-knowledge articles, but historically it is not completely accurate.
The first Chiefs of the Air Staff served in the rank of Air Marshal. The rank associated with the office was subsequently upgraded to the four-star rank of Air Chief Marshal in 1966.
Therefore, the complete historical list should properly be described as the List of Chiefs of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, rather than suggesting that every individual on the list held the rank of Air Chief Marshal.
The first six post-Independence chiefs were Air Marshals. Arjan Singh, who was serving as Chief during the 1965 India-Pakistan War, became the first IAF chief associated with the four-star Air Chief Marshal rank after the upgrade of the post.
Complete List of Chiefs of the Air Staff of India: 1947–2026
The following table provides the chronological list of India’s Chiefs of the Air Staff, including the early post-Independence chiefs and the serving/upcoming chiefs in 2026.
| No. | Chief of the Air Staff | Rank/Status | Took Office | Left Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sir Thomas Walker Elmhirst | Air Marshal | August 15, 1947 | February 22, 1950 |
| 2 | Sir Ronald Ivelaw-Chapman | Air Marshal | February 22, 1950 | December 9, 1951 |
| 3 | Sir Gerald Ernest Gibbs | Air Marshal | December 10, 1951 | March 31, 1954 |
| 4 | Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee | Air Marshal | April 1, 1954 | November 8, 1960 |
| 5 | Air Marshal A. M. Engineer | Air Marshal | December 1, 1960 | July 31, 1964 |
| 6 | Arjan Singh | Air Marshal; later Air Chief Marshal | August 1, 1964 | July 15, 1969 |
| 7 | Pratap Chandra Lal | Air Chief Marshal | July 16, 1969 | January 15, 1973 |
| 8 | Om Prakash Mehra | Air Chief Marshal | January 16, 1973 | January 31, 1976 |
| 9 | Hrushikesh Moolgavkar | Air Chief Marshal | February 1, 1976 | August 31, 1978 |
| 10 | Idris Hasan Latif | Air Chief Marshal | September 1, 1978 | August 31, 1981 |
| 11 | Dilbagh Singh | Air Chief Marshal | September 1, 1981 | September 4, 1984 |
| 12 | Lakshman Madhav Katre | Air Chief Marshal | September 5, 1984 | July 1, 1985 |
| 13 | D. A. La Fontaine | Air Chief Marshal | July 3, 1985 | July 31, 1988 |
| 14 | S. K. Mehra | Air Chief Marshal | August 1, 1988 | July 31, 1991 |
| 15 | Nirmal Chandra Suri | Air Chief Marshal | August 1, 1991 | July 31, 1993 |
| 16 | S. K. Kaul | Air Chief Marshal | August 1, 1993 | December 31, 1995 |
| 17 | S. K. Sareen | Air Chief Marshal | January 1, 1996 | December 31, 1998 |
| 18 | A. Y. Tipnis | Air Chief Marshal | January 1, 1999 | December 31, 2001 |
| 19 | Srinivasapuram Krishnaswamy | Air Chief Marshal | December 31, 2001 | December 31, 2004 |
| 20 | Shashindra Pal Tyagi | Air Chief Marshal | December 31, 2004 | March 31, 2007 |
| 21 | Fali Homi Major | Air Chief Marshal | March 31, 2007 | March 31, 2009 |
| 22 | Pradeep Vasant Naik | Air Chief Marshal | March 31, 2009 | July 31, 2011 |
| 23 | Norman Anil Kumar Browne | Air Chief Marshal | August 1, 2011 | December 31, 2013 |
| 24 | Arup Raha | Air Chief Marshal | December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2016 |
| 25 | Birender Singh Dhanoa | Air Chief Marshal | December 31, 2016 | September 30, 2019 |
| 26 | Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria | Air Chief Marshal | September 30, 2019 | September 30, 2021 |
| 27 | Vivek Ram Chaudhari | Air Chief Marshal | September 30, 2021 | September 30, 2024 |
| 28 | Amar Preet Singh | Air Chief Marshal | September 30, 2024 | October 31, 2026 |
| 29 | Ashutosh Dixit | Air Marshal; to become Air Chief Marshal | October 31, 2026 | Incumbent |
Historical records show that the first post-Independence chiefs included Elmhirst, Ivelaw-Chapman, Gibbs, Subroto Mukerjee and A. M. Engineer before Arjan Singh became chief in 1964.
Who Was the First Indian Chief of the Air Staff?
Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee was the first Indian to head the Indian Air Force.
He took charge on April 1, 1954, succeeding Sir Gerald Ernest Gibbs. At that time, he held the rank of Air Marshal and was designated Commander-in-Chief of the IAF.
In 1955, the designation of the service chief was changed from Commander-in-Chief to Chief of the Air Staff. As a result, Mukerjee became the first Indian to hold the CAS title.
Mukerjee played an important role in the development and modernisation of the IAF during its formative years. His tenure continued until his death in November 1960.
Arjan Singh and the Evolution of the Air Chief Marshal Rank
Arjan Singh is one of the most significant figures in the history of the Indian Air Force.
He became Chief of the Air Staff in August 1964 and led the IAF during the 1965 India-Pakistan War. His leadership during the conflict became an important part of the IAF’s history.
The rank of the CAS was upgraded to the four-star rank of Air Chief Marshal in 1966. Singh was therefore closely associated with the transition to the four-star status of the service chief.
After his retirement, Arjan Singh received an even higher distinction. In 2002, he was promoted to the five-star rank of Marshal of the Indian Air Force, making him the only officer to have held that rank.
Who Is the Current IAF Chief in 2026?
As of October 7, 2026, the current Chief of the Air Staff is Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh.
He took over as the 28th Chief of the Air Staff on September 30, 2024.
His tenure is scheduled to conclude on October 31, 2026, when he reaches the end of his service as CAS. The Government has already announced his successor.
Who Will Become the 29th Chief of the Air Staff?
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit will become the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on October 31, 2026.
The Ministry of Defence announced his appointment on October 6, 2026. He is currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
According to the official announcement, he will assume office in the rank of Air Chief Marshal from the afternoon of October 31, following the superannuation of Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh.
Ashutosh Dixit: Important Facts
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was born on December 9, 1966, and was commissioned into the IAF’s fighter stream on December 6, 1986.
His career includes senior operational, command and staff appointments. Before becoming Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he served as:
- Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee
- Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command
- Commander of a frontline fighter air base in the Western sector
- Commander of a major fighter training base in the Southern sector
He is an Experimental Test Pilot and a Qualified Flying Instructor. The Ministry of Defence states that he has more than 3,500 hours of flying experience and has flown aircraft including the Mirage-2000, MiG variants, Kiran, Jaguar, IL-78, Hawk and Tejas.
His career has also included participation in Operation Safed Sagar, Operation Rakshak and Operation Sindoor, along with various exercises and operational assignments.
Awards Received by Ashutosh Dixit
The official Ministry of Defence release records the following major decorations:
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2006 | Vayu Sena Medal |
| 2011 | Vishisht Seva Medal |
| 2023 | Ati Vishisht Seva Medal |
| 2026 | Param Vishisht Seva Medal |
These honours recognise his service during a career spanning nearly four decades.
What Is the Highest Rank in the Indian Air Force?
The highest ceremonial rank in the Indian Air Force is Marshal of the Indian Air Force, a five-star rank.
It is distinct from the regular four-star rank of Air Chief Marshal.
The five-star rank is extremely rare and is awarded for exceptional service to the nation. Arjan Singh is the only officer to have been promoted to Marshal of the Indian Air Force.
Although the Marshal of the Indian Air Force is the highest-ranking rank associated with the IAF, the Chief of the Air Staff remains the senior operationally serving head of the service.
Key Facts About IAF Chiefs
- The professional head of the Indian Air Force is the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS).
- The first Chief after Independence was Sir Thomas Walker Elmhirst, who took office on August 15, 1947.
- Subroto Mukerjee was the first Indian to head the IAF.
- The early chiefs served as Air Marshals, rather than Air Chief Marshals.
- The rank associated with the CAS was upgraded to Air Chief Marshal in 1966.
- Arjan Singh was the sixth post-Independence chief.
- Arjan Singh later became the only Marshal of the Indian Air Force.
- Amar Preet Singh is the serving CAS as of October 7, 2026.
- Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the 29th CAS.
- Dixit will take charge on October 31, 2026, in the rank of Air Chief Marshal.
Why the Chief of the Air Staff Is Important
The Chief of the Air Staff occupies a crucial position in India’s defence structure. Modern air warfare depends not only on fighter aircraft but also on surveillance, airborne early-warning systems, transport aircraft, helicopters, unmanned systems, precision weapons, air defence networks and secure communications.
Consequently, the CAS has to oversee a broad range of capabilities while maintaining operational readiness and coordinating with the Army, Navy and other elements of India’s national security system.
The evolution of India’s Air Chiefs therefore reflects the broader transformation of the IAF—from a relatively small force at Independence into a technologically advanced air arm responsible for protecting India’s airspace and supporting national defence objectives.
Conclusion
The history of the Chiefs of the Air Staff of India from 1947 to 2026 reflects the development of the Indian Air Force across nearly eight decades.
The office began with Air Marshal Sir Thomas Walker Elmhirst in 1947 and subsequently passed through several generations of military leaders. Subroto Mukerjee marked an important milestone as the first Indian to lead the service, while Arjan Singh became an enduring figure in IAF history because of his leadership during the 1965 war and his later promotion to the five-star rank of Marshal of the Indian Air Force.
In 2026, the IAF is undergoing another leadership transition. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh remains the serving CAS as of October 7, 2026, while Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff and will assume office on October 31, 2026.
Quick Revision
Current IAF Chief: Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh
28th Chief of the Air Staff: Amar Preet Singh
29th Chief-designate: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit
Dixit’s charge date: October 31, 2026
First Indian IAF Chief: Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee
First post-Independence Chief: Sir Thomas Walker Elmhirst
Only Marshal of the Indian Air Force: Arjan Singh
IAF Chief’s four-star rank: Air Chief Marshal
MCQs: Chiefs of the Air Staff of India (1947–2026)
1. Who is the Chief of the Air Staff of India as of October 7, 2026?
A. Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari
B. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh
C. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit
D. Air Chief Marshal R. K. S. Bhadauria
Answer: B. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh
2. Who has been appointed as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff?
A. Air Marshal A. P. Singh
B. Air Marshal V. R. Chaudhari
C. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit
D. Air Marshal Arup Raha
Answer: C. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit
3. When will Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assume charge as the Chief of the Air Staff?
A. October 6, 2026
B. October 15, 2026
C. October 31, 2026
D. November 1, 2026
Answer: C. October 31, 2026
4. In which rank will Ashutosh Dixit assume office as the Chief of the Air Staff?
A. Air Vice Marshal
B. Air Marshal
C. Air Chief Marshal
D. Marshal of the Indian Air Force
Answer: C. Air Chief Marshal
5. Who was the first Chief of the Air Staff after India’s Independence?
A. Subroto Mukerjee
B. Arjan Singh
C. Sir Thomas Walker Elmhirst
D. Pratap Chandra Lal
Answer: C. Sir Thomas Walker Elmhirst
6. Who was the first Indian to head the Indian Air Force?
A. Arjan Singh
B. Subroto Mukerjee
C. A. M. Engineer
D. Pratap Chandra Lal
Answer: B. Subroto Mukerjee
7. Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee became the head of the Indian Air Force in which year?
A. 1947
B. 1950
C. 1954
D. 1960
Answer: C. 1954
8. Who led the Indian Air Force during the 1965 India-Pakistan War?
A. Subroto Mukerjee
B. Arjan Singh
C. Pratap Chandra Lal
D. Om Prakash Mehra
Answer: B. Arjan Singh
9. Who is the only officer to have been conferred the rank of Marshal of the Indian Air Force?
A. Arjan Singh
B. Subroto Mukerjee
C. Pratap Chandra Lal
D. A. Y. Tipnis
Answer: A. Arjan Singh
10. In which year was Arjan Singh promoted to the five-star rank of Marshal of the Indian Air Force?
A. 1999
B. 2000
C. 2002
D. 2005
Answer: C. 2002
11. What is the regular four-star rank held by the Chief of the Air Staff?
A. Air Marshal
B. Air Chief Marshal
C. Marshal of the Indian Air Force
D. Air Vice Marshal
Answer: B. Air Chief Marshal
12. Who succeeded Vivek Ram Chaudhari as Chief of the Air Staff?
A. Amar Preet Singh
B. R. K. S. Bhadauria
C. Arup Raha
D. Ashutosh Dixit
Answer: A. Amar Preet Singh
13. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh became the Chief of the Air Staff in:
A. September 2021
B. December 2022
C. September 2024
D. October 2026
Answer: C. September 2024
14. Ashutosh Dixit is associated with which branch of the Indian Air Force?
A. Transport Stream
B. Fighter Stream
C. Administrative Branch
D. Logistics Branch
Answer: B. Fighter Stream
15. Which of the following is the correct chronological order?
A. Arjan Singh → Subroto Mukerjee → Amar Preet Singh
B. Subroto Mukerjee → Arjan Singh → Amar Preet Singh
C. Amar Preet Singh → Arjan Singh → Subroto Mukerjee
D. Arjan Singh → Amar Preet Singh → Subroto Mukerjee
Answer: B. Subroto Mukerjee → Arjan Singh → Amar Preet Singh