New IAF chief Ashutosh Dixit outlines ‘VAYU’ vision, stresses operational readiness and self-reliance
New Delhi, Nov 1 (TNT):Newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit on Sunday outlined his ‘VAYU’ vision for the Indian Air Force, focusing on operational readiness, indigenous capabilities, innovation and jointness with the armed forces.
Dixit, who assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff on November 1, paid homage at the National War Memorial to soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.
He was later accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Air Force Station New Delhi.
In his opening address, the Air Chief Marshal identified four key pillars under the ‘VAYU’ vision to guide the future course of the IAF.
The pillars include vigilance, victory and readiness; Aatmanirbharta or self-reliance; Yukti, focusing on ingenuity and innovation; and unity of effort through stronger coordination with the Army, Navy and national agencies.
He stressed the need to maintain a high level of operational preparedness across all formations and restore the IAF’s combat strength to sanctioned levels.
On self-reliance, he called for accelerating indigenous capabilities in aircraft platforms, sensors, weapons and other technologies to strengthen operational independence and sustained combat capability.
The innovation pillar envisages the use of artificial intelligence-enabled command and control systems, counter-drone capabilities and new operational technologies, besides improvements in doctrine and procedures.
The fourth pillar focuses on strengthening jointness with the Army, Navy and national agencies in line with the national vision of Jointness, Aatmanirbharta and Innovation (JAI).
Through the ‘VAYU’ vision, Dixit outlined the goal of building an operationally prepared, technologically advanced, self-reliant and integrated Air Force capable of safeguarding national interests and deterring conflict through credible air power.
An Experimental Test Pilot and Qualified Flying Instructor, Air Chief Marshal Dixit has more than 3,500 hours of flying experience.
He has held key appointments, including Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command and Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
TNT KS
