IAF chief Ashutosh Dixit unveils VAYU roadmap to boost combat strength
The new Air Chief Marshal aims to restore sanctioned fighter squadron levels and increase self-reliance through the VAYU vision.
Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, outlined his strategic priorities for the Indian Air Force on Sunday. According to reports from The Indian Express, Hindustan Times and The Economic Times, the new chief introduced the ‘VAYU’ roadmap to modernise the force and strengthen combat capabilities.
The acronym VAYU represents Vigilance and readiness, Aatmanirbharta or self-reliance, Yukti or ingenuity, and Unity of effort. Dixit stated that restoring combat strength to the sanctioned level is a foremost task, noting that fighter strength is currently below the sanctioned 42 squadrons.
Under the Aatmanirbharta pillar, the chief highlighted priorities including the Tejas Mk1, Mk1A, and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, alongside Indian-made sensors and weapons. He said the force would use Indian solutions in numbers sufficient to meet operational demands.
Regarding Yukti, Dixit said the IAF would advance innovation in areas such as AI-enabled command and control, layered counter-drone defence, and the use of near-space. He noted that technologies like drones, cyber, and the electromagnetic spectrum are reshaping the character of war.
The chief also emphasised unity of effort, stating the IAF will plan and fight alongside the Army, Navy, and national agencies. He addressed a gathering at the Air Force Station Parade Ground in New Delhi following his assumption of command on Saturday.
Dixit, an experimental test pilot with over 3,500 flying hours, succeeds Air Chief Marshal AP Singh. He was commissioned into the fighter stream in December 1986.