New Air Chief Ashutosh Dixit Sets Out Modernisation Roadmap, Restoring Fighter Strength Tops Agenda

NEW DELHI: Strengthening India’s air combat capabilities and preparing the Indian Air Force (IAF) for emerging security challenges will be at the heart of Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit’s tenure as the force’s 29th Chief of Air Staff.

In his first major statement after assuming office, he identified the need to rebuild the Air Force’s fighter strength, expand domestic defence production and introduce advanced technologies as key areas requiring immediate attention.

Dixit has brought these objectives together under the framework of ‘VAYU’, a four-part vision intended to guide the IAF’s operational preparedness and long-term transformation.

The announcement comes at a time when the force is dealing with a significant gap between its authorised fighter squadron strength and its existing operational inventory.

The most pressing concern is the restoration of the IAF’s approved strength of 42 fighter squadrons.

The retirement of ageing MiG-21 aircraft, the scheduled withdrawal of additional fighter squadrons by 2029-30 and delays in the delivery of indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas have placed additional pressure on the force’s combat capabilities.

Dixit said rebuilding the sanctioned strength would receive particular attention.

He emphasised that the entire operational network, from frontline squadrons and surveillance radars to air defence installations and personnel, must remain prepared to respond swiftly to any emerging threat.

Indigenous aircraft and weapons to drive the next phase

The second major component of the new Chief’s agenda is reducing dependence on foreign defence suppliers.

Under the ‘Aatmanirbharta’ element of VAYU, the IAF intends to increase its reliance on Indian-designed aircraft, weapons, sensors and other mission-critical systems.

The Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A programmes will remain important to this effort, alongside the development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s proposed next-generation stealth fighter.

Greater integration of domestically developed weapons and surveillance technologies is also part of the plan.

Dixit made it clear that indigenous production must deliver aircraft and equipment in sufficient quantities to meet the requirements of sustained military operations.

He said the Air Force’s responsibility was not merely to engage an adversary but also to maintain such credible air power that potential opponents would be discouraged from initiating a conflict.

AI, drones and advanced warfare technologies in focus

The letter ‘Y’ in the VAYU framework represents ‘Yukti’, or ingenuity. Under this principle, the IAF intends to adapt its operational methods and technological capabilities to the changing character of warfare.

Dixit identified artificial intelligence-enabled command and control systems, improved networking between military platforms and more sophisticated air defence arrangements as important areas of development.

Counter-drone capabilities will receive attention through a layered defensive approach designed to deal with the growing use of unmanned systems in modern conflicts.

Other priorities include faster aircraft maintenance, improved protection of military assets, greater operational resilience and exploring the potential of near-space as a new domain for military operations.

The emphasis on innovation reflects the changing nature of aerial warfare, in which conventional aircraft capabilities increasingly operate alongside autonomous platforms, digital networks and advanced surveillance systems.

Closer coordination with Army and Navy

The final element, ‘Unity of Effort’, underlines the importance of closer coordination among India’s three armed services. Dixit said the Air Force would align its planning and operational activities with the Army, Navy and relevant national agencies.

He linked this approach to the broader national defence vision of Jointness, Aatmanirbharta and Innovation, commonly referred to as JAI.

According to him, air power delivers its greatest operational advantage when it is incorporated into joint military planning from the beginning rather than being treated as an independent capability.

Describing the IAF as prepared and determined, the new Chief said the force would continue to strengthen its readiness while adapting to new operational requirements.

He also acknowledged the contribution of his predecessor, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh (retd), thanking him for handing over an Air Force maintained at a high level of operational preparedness.

Four decades of flying and operational experience

Air Chief Marshal Dixit brings extensive flying and technical experience to the top position. An Experimental Test Pilot and Qualified Flying Instructor, he has accumulated more than 3,500 hours in the air across several combat and support aircraft.

His flying experience includes the Mirage 2000, different MiG aircraft, Kiran, Jaguar, IL-78, Hawk and the indigenous Tejas.

His professional career has therefore covered a broad range of operational platforms, including fighter aircraft, trainers and aerial refuelling systems.

Over approximately four decades in uniform, he has been associated with significant military operations and exercises. These include Operation Safed Sagar, Operation Rakshak and the more recent Operation Sindoor.

Born on December 9, 1966, Dixit joined the Indian Air Force’s fighter stream on December 6, 1986.

His professional education includes the National Defence Academy near Pune, the Defence Services Staff College in Bangladesh and the National Defence College in New Delhi.

His appointment comes at a consequential stage for the IAF, which must balance immediate operational requirements with a long-term transition towards indigenous aircraft, advanced technology and integrated military capabilities.

The success of the VAYU vision will depend not only on strategic planning but also on timely aircraft deliveries, technological development and the ability to translate modernisation goals into operational strength.