NEW DELHI, November 1: Newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, on Sunday stressed the need for round-the-clock operational preparedness, saying every squadron, air defence unit, radar system and air warrior must remain ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
A day after taking charge as the 29th Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal Dixit outlined his vision and priorities, highlighting the restoration of the IAF’s sanctioned fighter squadron strength, greater self-reliance in defence technology and enhanced coordination among the three armed services.
He introduced his vision under the acronym VAYU, representing Vigilance and operational readiness, Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance), Yukti (tactical innovation) and Unity of effort across the tri-services.
Dixit said India’s security environment remains challenging, with modern warfare increasingly being shaped by emerging technologies such as drones, long-range precision weapons, space-based systems, cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence and the electromagnetic spectrum.
He emphasised that the Indian Air Force must continue transforming itself to meet future security challenges while maintaining its ability to fight and win.
Explaining the first pillar of his vision, Vigilance and Readiness, he said restoring the IAF’s combat strength to its sanctioned level would be among his foremost priorities.
“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,” he stressed.
On Aatmanirbharta, the Air Chief said indigenous sensors, aircraft platforms and weapon systems would receive the highest priority.
He underlined that India must develop and deploy its own defence technologies in sufficient numbers to meet operational requirements, adding that credible air power was essential not only to win wars but also to deter potential conflicts.
Highlighting Yukti, he called for continuous innovation in military doctrines, operational procedures and technology. He identified AI-enabled command and control systems, network-centric operations, layered counter-drone defence, advanced maintenance systems and the use of near-space capabilities as key areas of focus.
The fourth pillar, Unity of Effort, focuses on strengthening joint operations and coordination between the Army, Navy, Air Force and national security agencies.
Referring to the vision of JAI — Jointness, Aatmanirbharta and Innovation — Dixit said India’s armed forces must plan and operate together to maximise the effectiveness of military power.
Addressing citizens, the Air Chief assured that the Indian Air Force remained vigilant, prepared and committed to national security.
“Our commitment is clear: to remain ready, to keep transforming and to deliver whenever the nation calls,” he said.
