New Air Chief Ashutosh Dixit sets out ‘VAYU’ vision, from AI command to counter-drones

Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit took charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on 1 November and set out a four-pillar vision for the Indian Air Force built around the acronym 'VAYU'.

He began his tenure by paying homage at the National War Memorial and then received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Air Force Station New Delhi, the Ministry of Defence said. Dixit is an Experimental Test Pilot and Qualified Flying Instructor with over 3,500 hours of flying experience. His earlier appointments include Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command and Vice Chief of the Air Staff.

The 'VAYU' vision

• V – Vigilance, Victory and Readiness: the highest operational preparedness across all formations, while restoring combat strength to sanctioned levels.
• A – Aatmanirbharta: faster indigenous capabilities across platforms, sensors, weapons and technologies, for operational self-reliance.
• Y – Yukti: ingenuity and innovation in doctrine, technology and procedures, including AI-enabled command and control, counter-drone capabilities and emerging operational domains.
• U – Unity of Effort: stronger jointness with the Army, Navy and national agencies, in line with the national vision of JAI – Jointness, Aatmanirbharta and Innovation.

The aim

The ministry said the vision points to an operationally ready, technologically advanced, self-reliant and integrated Air Force, committed to safeguarding national interests and deterring conflict through credible air power.

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Source: official release by the Ministry of Defence, issued through the Press Information Bureau, Government of India (01 NOV 2026 5:18PM by PIB Delhi). Read the full official text: AIR CHIEF MARSHAL ASHUTOSH DIXIT ASSUMES CHARGE AS THE 29TH CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF; UNVEILS 'VAYU' AS GUIDING VISION FOR THE INDIAN AIR FORCE.