Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit PVSM AVSM VM VSM, as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, on 01 November 2026, commenced his tenure by paying homage at the National War Memorial to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the Nation. This was followed by a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Air Force Station New Delhi.
An Experimental Test Pilot and Qualified Flying Instructor, Air Chief Marshal Dixit has over 3,500 hours of flying experience. He has held several key operational and strategic appointments, including Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), HQ IDS, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command, and Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
Chief in his opening address, outlined his vision and priorities for the Indian Air Force, the Chief of the Air Staff coined the guiding theme ‘VAYU', articulating four distinct pillars that will shape the IAF's future trajectory.
V – Vigilance, Victory and Readiness: Maintaining the highest state of operational preparedness across all formations, while restoring combat strength to sanctioned levels.
A – Aatmanirbharta: Accelerating indigenous capabilities across platforms, sensors weapons and technologies, with a focus on operational self-reliance and sustained combat capability.
Y – Yukti: Harnessing ingenuity and innovation in doctrine, technology and operational procedures, including Al-enabled command and control, counter- drone capabilities, resilience and emerging operational domains.
U – Unity of Effort: Strengthening jointness with the Army, Navy and national agencies, in consonance with the national vision of JAI – Jointness, Aatmanirbharta and Innovation.
Through the 'VAYU' vision, the Chief of the Air Staff has articulated a clear direction for an operationally ready, technologically advanced, self-reliant and seamlessly integrated Indian Air Force, committed to safeguarding the nation's interests and deterring conflict through credible air power.