Restoring IAF's 42 fighter squadrons 'top priority', says new Air Chief Ashutosh Dixit

India's new Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, on Sunday identified restoring the Indian Air Force's (IAF) sanctioned fighter squadron strength, accelerating indigenous combat aircraft programmes and strengthening coordination among the three armed services as his foremost priorities.

A day after taking charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, Dixit outlined his vision under the acronym VAYU, representing Vigilance and operational readiness, Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance), Yukti (tactical innovation) and Unity of effort across the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Addressing reporters after a ceremonial guard of honour at the Race Course Air Force Station's parade ground, the Air Chief Marshal said the IAF must remain prepared for immediate operational challenges while transforming itself to meet the demands of future warfare.

"Our responsibility is to fight and win, but most importantly it is to deter conflict through credible air power," he said.

𝗥𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵

Dixit said restoring the IAF's combat strength towards its sanctioned level would be his foremost task. The force currently operates around 30 fighter squadrons against an officially sanctioned strength of 42, reflecting a substantial shortfall in combat aircraft availability.

The Air Chief Marshal, an accomplished fighter pilot with more than 3,500 flying hours, emphasised that indigenous platforms would play a central role in addressing the shortage.

"The Tejas Mk1A and 2, the AMCA, Indian sensors and Indian weapons are our highest priority. We will fight with Indian solutions, and we will hold them in numbers that meet our operational demands," he said.

The Defence Ministry has signed two separate contracts with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 180 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A jets at a combined cost exceeding Rs 1.10 lakh crore.

While the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and HAL are working on the LCA Mk2 variant, the framework for developing the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is being finalised.

Dixit said strengthening domestic capabilities in aircraft, sensors and weapons would be essential to ensuring operational readiness and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲

Highlighting the changing security environment, the IAF chief said emerging technologies were fundamentally altering the character of modern warfare.

"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," he said.

He stressed that the Air Force must remain capable of responding to immediate threats while preparing for the operational requirements of the next decade.

"The Air Force, while transforming into the force that India will need in the next decade, must always be ready to fight and win," Dixit said.

Explaining the first pillar of his VAYU vision, he said vigilance and readiness would require every squadron, radar station, air defence unit and air warrior to remain prepared to respond at a moment's notice.

𝗔𝗜, 𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Under the second pillar, Aatmanirbharta, Dixit emphasised the induction of domestically developed aircraft, sensors and weapons to strengthen India's defence capabilities.

The third pillar, Yukti, would focus on innovation in military doctrine, operational procedures and technology.

"Y is for Yukti, our ingenuity. Innovation in doctrine, procedures and in technology: networked, AI-enabled command and control; layered counter-drone defence; responsive maintenance, force protection, resilience and use of near-space as operational domains for the Air Force, are all areas which will be constantly monitored and progressed," he said.

The Air Chief Marshal identified artificial intelligence-enabled command systems, counter-drone capabilities, improved maintenance practices and the use of near-space as important areas for future development.

𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗶-𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Dixit said the fourth pillar, Unity of effort, would focus on closer integration among the armed forces and national security agencies.

"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.

The IAF chief also placed emphasis on the welfare of serving personnel, Agniveers (Vayu), civilian employees, veterans, Veer Naris and their families.

"Their training, professional excellence, morale, safety, welfare and dignity will have my personal attention," he said.

Addressing citizens, Dixit assured them that the Air Force would remain vigilant, prepared and resolute in protecting the country.

𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱

Dixit praised his predecessor, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, saying the IAF had demonstrated the effectiveness of precise and decisive air power during Operation Sindoor under his leadership.

"I thank him for handing over a force in a high state of readiness," he said.

Before receiving the ceremonial guard of honour, Dixit laid a wreath at the National War Memorial to pay tribute to fallen military personnel.

Accompanied by family members, he also sought the blessings of his mother, Nirmala Dixit, and mother-in-law, Kamla Pandey, touching their feet before the ceremony.

The new Air Chief Marshal arrived at the parade ground in an electric vehicle, reflecting his emphasis on environmentally sustainable mobility.