India’s new Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, has outlined an ambitious modernisation agenda for the Indian Air Force (IAF), placing combat readiness, indigenous fighter aircraft development and closer coordination among the three armed services at the centre of his leadership priorities.
Taking charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on November 1, 2026, Air Chief Marshal Dixit introduced a strategic framework called ‘VAYU’ to guide the Indian Air Force through its next phase of transformation. The framework brings together four key priorities: Vigilance and Readiness, Aatmanirbharta (Self-Reliance), Yukti (Innovation) and Unity of Effort.
One of the most pressing challenges identified by the new Air Chief is restoring the IAF’s fighter squadron strength towards its authorised level of 42 squadrons. The force currently operates approximately 30 fighter squadrons, leaving a considerable gap in its combat capacity. Addressing this shortfall will require sustained aircraft induction, timely replacement of ageing platforms and improvements in operational preparedness.
Indigenous aircraft development will play a major role in achieving this objective. Dixit has placed the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A, the upcoming Tejas Mk2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) among the Indian Air Force’s highest priorities. He also highlighted the importance of developing and deploying Indian-made sensors, weapons and other advanced technologies to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
The induction of 180 Tejas Mk1A fighters, covered under existing agreements with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is expected to contribute significantly to the IAF’s fleet modernisation efforts. Meanwhile, development work on the Tejas Mk2 and the fifth-generation AMCA programme remains an important part of India’s long-term aerospace ambitions.
Explaining the importance of operational readiness, Dixit emphasised that every fighter squadron, radar installation, air defence unit and air warrior must maintain the ability to respond quickly to emerging threats. He noted that the changing nature of warfare requires the Air Force to prepare for challenges extending beyond conventional aerial combat.
Modern military operations are increasingly influenced by unmanned aerial systems, long-range precision weapons, artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities, space-based technologies and the electromagnetic spectrum. The new Air Chief stressed that the IAF must adapt its operational concepts, technology and infrastructure to remain effective in this evolving security environment.
Under the Yukti pillar, the Air Force will place greater emphasis on innovation in military doctrine, operational procedures and technological applications. Key areas include AI-enabled command-and-control networks, layered counter-drone systems, improved maintenance capabilities, force protection and operational resilience. Dixit also identified near-space as an emerging domain that deserves attention in future air operations.
Another important element of his vision is closer integration between the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. Through the Unity of Effort pillar, he called for a more coordinated approach to planning and executing military operations. Linking this objective with the broader national vision of JAI, representing Jointness, Aatmanirbharta and Innovation, he highlighted that air power delivers its greatest operational value when integrated into joint military planning from the beginning.
Alongside operational and technological priorities, Dixit also emphasised the importance of personnel welfare. He assured that the professional development, training, morale, safety and overall well-being of serving air warriors, Agniveervayu personnel, civilian employees, veterans, Veer Naris and their families would receive close attention during his tenure.
Before formally assuming command, Air Chief Marshal Dixit paid tribute to fallen military personnel at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. A ceremonial Guard of Honour followed at Air Force Station New Delhi. He also acknowledged the contribution of his predecessor, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, in maintaining the operational preparedness of the force.
With the VAYU framework, the new Air Chief has established a clear direction for the Indian Air Force, combining immediate combat readiness requirements with long-term technological transformation. The success of this approach will depend on timely aircraft deliveries, indigenous defence development, stronger operational integration and the ability to respond to increasingly complex aerial threats.
As India continues to strengthen its defence capabilities, Dixit’s leadership will be important in shaping the future of the IAF as a technologically advanced, combat-ready and increasingly self-reliant air force