New IAF Chief Ashutosh Dixit outlines ‘VAYU’ priorities and promises to enhance combat readiness

Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit takes over the command of the Indian Air Force as its 29th Chief in New Delhi. | Photo credit: ANI

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

He took over as the 29th Chief of Air Staff on Saturday (October 31), succeeding Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who retired after 43 years of service in the Indian Air Force.

Air Chief Marshal Dixit received a ceremonial guard of honor at the air station parade before formally assuming command of the force.

Emphasizing the need for operational readiness amid an evolving security environment, he said the nature 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, even as it transforms into the force India will need in the next decade, must always be ready to fight and win,” he said.

In VAYU, “V” stands for vigilance and preparedness. The Air Chief emphasized that every squadron, radar, air defense unit and Air Warrior must be ready to respond immediately. His top priorities would also include restoring the combat strength of the IAF to the approved level.

The ‘A’ stands for Aatmanirbharta, with indigenous Tejas Mk1A and Mk2, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), Indian sensors and weapon systems identified as key priorities. He said the force would focus on countering Indian solutions and ensuring adequate numbers to meet operational requirements.

The “Y” represents Yukti, or ingenuity, with an emphasis on innovation in doctrine, procedures, and technology, including connected command and control systems with artificial intelligence, layered defenses against drones, sensitive maintenance, force protection, and the use of near-space as an operational domain.

The “U” stands for unity of effort and emphasizes the importance of joint planning and operations with the Army, Navy and national agencies. He said air power has the greatest impact when it is integrated from the initial planning stage.

Air Force Chief Dixit emphasized the importance of personnel and said that the training, professional excellence, morale, safety, welfare and dignity of Air Warriors, Agniveervayu, civil servants, veterans, Veer Naris and their families will receive his personal attention.

Also Read: No place to ‘stand still’: IAF Chief AP 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 AP Singh, under whom the IAF demonstrated what a precise and decisive air force could achieve. He also thanked him for handing over the forces in a high state of operational readiness.

Earlier in the day, Air Chief Marshal Dixit paid tribute to fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial.

Assuring the nation of the IAF’s readiness, he said the force remains alert, ready and resolute and will continue to transform itself to accomplish missions whenever the nation calls upon them.

“Nabha Sparsham Deeptam,” he said, repeating the IAF motto.

Published – November 1, 2026 11:41 AM IST