Srinagar, Nov 02: Newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit on Monday recalled the Indian Air Force’s role in Operation Sindoor, saying the force demonstrated the capabilities of precise and decisive air power under the leadership of his predecessor, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh.
In his first address after taking over as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, Dixit, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, the security environment remained demanding and the changing character of warfare required the Air Force to maintain high operational readiness. “I take over from Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, under whose leadership in ‘Operation Sindoor,’ the Air Force displayed what precise and decisive air power can achieve. I thank him for handing over a force in a high state of readiness,” he said.
Dixit, who previously served as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee, said, “Modern warfare is being reshaped by emerging technologies, including drones, long-range precision weapons, space, cyber, artificial intelligence and the electromagnetic spectrum.”
He said the IAF, while transforming into the force India would need in the next decade, must always remain ready to fight and win.
Outlining his priorities under the ‘VAYU’ vision, Dixit said the focus would be on vigilance and readiness, self-reliance, innovation and unity of effort among the armed forces.
He said restoring the IAF’s combat strength towards its sanctioned level would be a foremost priority, while indigenous platforms, sensors and weapons would be central to strengthening operational capabilities.
Dixit also stressed the need for innovation in technology, doctrine and operational procedures, and greater coordination among the Army, Navy and other national agencies to strengthen joint operations.
Pertinently, Air Chief Marshal Dixit assumed charge on October 31, succeeding Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, who retired after 42 years of service. The new Air Chief has over 3,500 hours of flying experience and has held several key operational and strategic appointments.
