16 publishers · first seen Fri, 30 Oct 2026 07:06 UTC · updated Mon, 02 Nov 2026 07:33 UTC
Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has assumed the role of the 29th Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, succeeding Air Chief Marshal AP Singh. Dixit, an accomplished fighter pilot with over 3,500 flying hours, outlined his priorities in his first address, focusing on restoring the IAF's combat strength, accelerating indigenous programmes like the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), and enhancing tri-services synergy. He emphasised the importance of indigenous solutions, stating, 'We will fight with Indian solutions, and we will hold them in numbers that meet our operational demands.' Dixit also highlighted the need for vigilance, self-reliance, tactical innovation, and unity of effort across the tri-services, encapsulated in his vision acronym 'VAYU'. The IAF is currently awaiting the induction of 180 LCA Mk1A aircraft and hopes for an early deal with France for 114 Rafale jets.
Dixit's appointment comes at a time when the IAF is grappling with a deficit of roughly 200 aircraft, with its combat squadrons reduced to 29 from the sanctioned strength of 42.
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