New IAF Chief Ashutosh Dixit Sets VAYU Priorities for Squadron Strength and Indigenous Fighters

Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on October 31, 2026, succeeding Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh. In his first public address the following day, Dixit summarised his priorities under the acronym VAYU: vigilance and readiness, Aatmanirbharta, Yukti, and unity of effort.

On readiness, he said every squadron, radar, air-defence unit, and air warrior must be prepared to respond at a moment's notice. Under Aatmanirbharta, he named the Tejas Mark-1A and Mark-2 fighters, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, Indian sensors, and Indian weapons as the highest priorities. The force currently operates 29 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, its lowest level in 60 years.

Dixit, born December 9, 1966, was commissioned into the fighter stream on December 6, 1986. He is an experimental test pilot and qualified flying instructor with more than 3,500 hours on aircraft including the Mirage-2000, MiG variants, Jaguar, and Tejas. He previously served as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff during Operation Sindoor, and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command.

Delivery of Tejas Mark-1A aircraft has been delayed by late arrival of American engines. None had been delivered to the IAF at the time of his address. Dixit said the force would field indigenous platforms in numbers sufficient to sustain operations. He also listed innovation in doctrine, procedures, and technology under Yukti, including networked AI-enabled command and control, layered counter-drone defences, and the use of near-space as an operational domain.

The ceremonial handover took place at the Race Course Air Force Station in New Delhi, where Singh received a guard of honour before transferring command. Dixit arrived for his own guard of honour in an electric vehicle. He thanked the President, the Prime Minister, and the Raksha Mantri for the trust placed in him.

The IAF has been modernising under successive chiefs, with emphasis on indigenous programmes. Dixit played a role in Jaguar and MiG-27 upgrades and in the initial and final operational clearances of the LCA Tejas. Restoring squadron strength requires both new aircraft and retention of existing fleets while production ramps up at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Unity of effort refers to closer integration with the Army and Navy. Dixit has experience in joint staff appointments. Operation Sindoor demonstrated the value of integrated planning. The new chief has said the force must transform for the next decade while remaining ready to fight and win with current assets.

The sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons has been a long-standing target. Attrition, delays in indigenous production, and the retirement of older MiG-21s have reduced numbers. Dixit's VAYU framework places the restoration of combat strength alongside self-reliance and technological adaptation. Subsequent orders and production schedules will determine how quickly the gap closes.