Rajnath Singh meets new IAF Chief Ashutosh Dixit as He outlines VAYU vision

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, in New Delhi on November 2 and wished him a successful tenure. Singh described Dixit as a distinguished air warrior known for his leadership as he took charge of the Indian Air Force (IAF) amid ongoing modernisation and capability-development priorities.

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Dixit assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on October 31, succeeding Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who retired after 42 years of service. Before his appointment, Dixit served as Vice Chief of the Air Staff and held several senior operational and strategic positions.

On November 1, the new Air Chief outlined his priorities under the VAYU vision: Vigilance and operational readiness, Aatmanirbharta, Yukti and Unity of effort. The framework emphasises combat preparedness, self-reliance in platforms and weapons, tactical innovation and stronger coordination among the Army, Navy and Air Force.

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Dixit identifies restoring the IAF’s fighter squadron strength to its sanctioned level as a key priority. He also stressed the importance of indigenous sensors, platforms and weapons, alongside adapting to emerging threats involving drones, long-range precision weapons, artificial intelligence, space and cyber capabilities.

An experienced fighter pilot, qualified flying instructor and experimental test pilot, Dixit has more than 3,500 hours of flying experience. His previous assignments included commanding Central Air Command and serving as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee, including during Operation Sindoor.

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