New Delhi, November 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit on Sunday said he was deeply honoured to take charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, asserting that the Indian Air Force (IAF) would remain vigilant, continue its transformation and be prepared to respond whenever the nation calls.
Emphasising the need to strengthen the force’s operational capabilities, he said the IAF must evolve to meet India’s security requirements over the next decade while remaining fully prepared to fight and win. Restoring the Air Force’s combat strength towards its sanctioned level, he added, would be among his foremost priorities.
Earlier in the day, Air Chief Marshal Dixit was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Parade Ground of the Air Force Station. He arrived at the venue in an electric vehicle (EV).
Addressing reporters after the ceremony, he said, “I am deeply honoured to assume command of the Indian Air Force as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff. I thank the President, our Supreme Commander, the Prime Minister and the Raksha Mantri for the trust they have placed in me.”
He also paid tribute to fallen personnel at the National War Memorial, saying, “I paid homage at the National War Memorial to honour the brave hearts who made the supreme sacrifice for the motherland. Their courage is the standard against which we will measure ourselves.”
Air Chief Marshal Dixit succeeded Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, who retired on Saturday after completing 42 years of distinguished service.
Acknowledging his predecessor’s tenure, the new IAF chief said, “I take over from Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, under whose leadership, in Operation Sindoor, the Air Force displayed what precise and decisive air power can achieve. I thank him for handing over a force in a high state of readiness.”
Highlighting the evolving security environment, he said warfare was being reshaped by advanced technologies and emerging operational domains, including drones, long-range precision weapons, space, cyber, artificial intelligence (AI) and the electromagnetic spectrum.
“Our security environment remains demanding. In addition, the character of war is being reshaped by new technologies and systems like drones, long-range precision weapons, space, cyber, AI 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.
Outlining his vision for the IAF, Air Chief Marshal Dixit brought his priorities together under the acronym ‘VAYU’, with each letter representing a key area of focus.
The first priority, ‘V’, stands for ‘Vigilance, Victory and Readiness’. He said every squadron, radar, air defence unit and Air Warrior must be prepared to respond at short notice.
“’V’ stands for ‘Vigilance, Victory and Readiness’. Every squadron, every radar, every air defence unit, along with each and every Air Warrior, must be ready to respond at a moment’s notice. Restoring our combat strength towards the sanctioned level will also be my foremost task,” he said.
The letter ‘A’ represents ‘Aatmanirbharta’, reflecting the focus on strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing. He identified the Tejas Mk1A and Mk II fighter aircraft, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), indigenous sensors and Indian weapons as the IAF’s highest priorities in this area.
“We will fight with Indian solutions, and we will hold them in numbers that meet sustainment and operational demands. Our responsibility is to fight and win, but most importantly, it is to deter conflict through credible air power,” he said.
The letter ‘Y’ stands for ‘Yukti’, which he described as the IAF’s emphasis on ingenuity and innovation in doctrine, procedures and technology.
He said networked, AI-enabled command and control, layered counter-drone defence, responsive maintenance, force protection, resilience and the use of near-space as an operational domain would remain areas of continued focus.
The final letter, ‘U’, represents ‘Unity of Effort’, highlighting the need for greater coordination among the three services and other national agencies.
“’U’ is for ‘Unity of Effort’. In step with the vision of JAI — Jointness, Aatmanirbharta and Innovation — we will plan and fight as one along with our Army, our Navy and our National Agencies. Air power delivers most when it is integrated from the very first plan,” he said.
Air Chief Marshal Dixit also said the welfare, professional development and safety of Air Warriors, Agniveervayu personnel, civilian staff, veterans, Veer Naris and their families would remain central to his priorities.
“Their training, professional excellence, safety, welfare and dignity will have my personal attention,” he said.
Reaffirming the IAF’s commitment to the country, he urged citizens to trust the force’s preparedness and resolve.
“To the fellow citizens, trust that your Air Force is vigilant, ready and resolute. Our commitment is clear: to remain ready, keep transforming and delivering whenever the nation calls,” he said.
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