AP Singh Pays Tribute at National War Memorial Before IAF Command Handover

Outgoing Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, centre, leaves the National War Memorial with other officials after paying tribute to fallen military personnel in New Delhi on Saturday, October 31, 2026, ahead of handing over command. Photo: @salute2soldier/X

Ashutosh Dixit assumes charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff as Singh retires after a 25-month tenure

Key Highlights

• Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh lays a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
• The tribute precedes the handing over of command on October 31.
• Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit succeeds Singh as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff.
• Singh retires after 42 years of service to the nation.

New Delhi: Outgoing Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, paid tribute to fallen military personnel at the National War Memorial on Saturday, October 31, before handing over command of the Indian Air Force to his successor, Ashutosh Dixit.

Singh laid a wreath at the memorial as he concluded a 25-month tenure at the helm of the service. The ceremony formed part of his farewell engagements ahead of retirement.

Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit subsequently assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that he succeeded Singh, who superannuated after 42 years of distinguished service to the nation.

Tribute ahead of farewell

The wreath-laying ceremony placed remembrance of the armed forces’ fallen personnel at the centre of Singh’s final day in office.

He had also received official farewells ahead of the transition, including one hosted by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Singh was subsequently accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour before the formal handing over of command, according to public broadcaster DD India.

Dixit takes over as Air Chief

Dixit was serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff when the government announced his appointment to lead the service. His appointment took effect on the afternoon of October 31, in the rank of Air Chief Marshal.

The completed handover marked the conclusion of Singh’s leadership tenure and the beginning of Dixit’s term as head of the Indian Air Force.