New IAF chief Ashutosh Dixit outlines ‘VAYU’ priorities, vows to boost combat readiness

Newly appointed Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit on Sunday (November 1, 2026) outlined his priorities under the acronym ‘VAYU’, focusing on vigilance and readiness, ‘aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance), innovation and unity of effort.

On Saturday (October 31), he assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, succeeding Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, who retired after 43 years of service in the Indian Air Force. Air Chief Marshal Dixit received a ceremonial guard of honour at the parade ground of the Air Force Station before formally assuming command of the force.

Emphasising the need for operational preparedness amid an evolving security environment, he said the character of warfare is being reshaped by emerging technologies and systems, including drones, long-range precision weapons, space, cyber, artificial intelligence and the electromagnetic spectrum.

“The Air Force, while transforming into the force that India will need in the next decade, must always be ready to fight and win,” he said. Under the VAYU framework, ‘V’ stands for vigilance and readiness. The Air Chief stressed that every squadron, radar, air defence unit and Air Warrior must be prepared to respond at a moment’s notice.

Restoring the IAF’s combat strength to its sanctioned level would also be among his foremost priorities. ‘A’ stands for Aatmanirbharta, with indigenous Tejas Mk1A and Mk2, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), Indian sensors and weapons systems identified as key priorities.

He said the force would focus on fighting with Indian solutions and ensuring adequate numbers to meet operational requirements. ‘Y’ represents Yukti or ingenuity, with an emphasis on innovation in doctrine, procedures and technology, including networked and AI-enabled command and control systems, layered counter-drone defence, responsive maintenance, force protection and the use of near-space as an operational domain.

‘U’ stands for unity of effort, underscoring the importance of joint planning and operations with the Army, Navy and national agencies. He said air power delivers the greatest impact when integrated from the initial planning stage.

Highlighting the importance of personnel, Air Chief Marshal Dixit said the training, professional excellence, morale, safety, welfare and dignity of Air Warriors, Agniveervayu, civilian employees, veterans, Veer Naris and their families would receive his personal attention.

Also Read : No room to ‘stand still’: IAF Chief A.P. Singh on building future air power after success of Operation Sindoor Referring to Operation Sindoor, he acknowledged the leadership of his predecessor, Air Chief Marshal A.P.

Singh, under whom the IAF had demonstrated what precise and decisive air power could achieve. He also thanked him for handing over a force in a high state of operational readiness. Earlier in the day, Air Chief Marshal Dixit paid homage to fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial.

Reassuring the country of the IAF’s preparedness, he said the force remains vigilant, ready and resolute, and will continue to transform itself to deliver whenever the nation calls. “Nabha Sparsham Deeptam,” he said, reiterating the IAF’s motto.