New Delhi, Nov 01: Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on Sunday, asserting that the Indian Air Force (IAF) will remain vigilant, continue its transformation, and be prepared to respond whenever the nation calls.

Emphasising the need to strengthen the force’s operational capabilities, he stated that the IAF must evolve into a force capable of meeting India’s security requirements over the next decade while remaining fully prepared to fight and win. He also identified restoring the Air Force’s combat strength towards its sanctioned level as one of his foremost priorities.

Earlier in the day, Air Chief Marshal Dixit was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Parade Ground of the Air Force Station, arriving at the venue in an electric vehicle. Addressing reporters after the ceremony, the new IAF chief expressed deep gratitude to the President, the Prime Minister, and the Defence Minister for the trust placed in him, and paid homage to brave hearts at the National War Memorial.

Air Chief Marshal Dixit succeeded Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, who retired on Saturday after completing 42 years of distinguished service. Highlighting his predecessor’s leadership during Operation Sindoor, the IAF chief noted that the Air Force demonstrated the precision and decisiveness of modern air power under his command.

Detailing his vision for the force under the acronym ‘VAYU’, Air Chief Marshal Dixit explained that ‘V’ stands for Vigilance, Victory, and Readiness, with a firm focus on restoring sanctioned combat strength. The letter ‘A’ represents ‘Aatmanirbharta’, prioritising indigenous platforms such as the Tejas Mk1A, Mk II, and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) to ensure the nation fights with homegrown solutions.

The letter ‘Y’ stands for ‘Yukti’, focusing on ingenuity, innovation, AI-enabled command, and resilient operational domains, while ‘U’ denotes ‘Unity of Effort’ to foster jointness among the Army, Navy, and national agencies. Concluding his address, the IAF chief reaffirmed that the welfare, training, and professional development of all Air Warriors, veterans, and their families will remain central to his administration.