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VAYU VISION OF THE INDIAN AIR FORCE (IAF)

02 Nov 2026

Tags: Prelims   Current events of national and international importance

Source: The Hindu

Context: Newly appointed 29th Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, outlined the priorities for modernising and strengthening the Indian Air Force under the VAYU vision.

VAYU: Four Priorities

  • V – Vigilance and Readiness: Ensure operational readiness of squadrons, radars, air defence units and personnel; restore sanctioned combat strength.
  • A – Aatmanirbharta: Promote indigenous aircraft, weapons and sensors, particularly Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1/Mk1A and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
  • Y – Yukti (Ingenuity): Promote innovation in doctrine, technology and procedures, including Artificial Intelligence-enabled command and control, counter-drone defence and near-space operations.
  • U – Unity of Effort: Strengthen jointness among the Army, Navy, Air Force and national agencies.

IAF: Key Challenges

  • Sanctioned Strength: 42 fighter squadrons; actual strength remains significantly lower.
  • Phasing Out: MiG-21 squadrons have been retired; further fighter squadron retirements are expected by 2029–30.
  • Modernisation: Delayed induction of LCA Tejas affects combat strength.

Additional Prelims Facts

  • Chief of the Air Staff: Professional head of the Indian Air Force.
  • AMCA: Indigenous fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter aircraft programme.
  • Operation Safed Sagar: IAF air operations during the 1999 Kargil War.
  • Operation Sindoor: Indian military operation conducted in May 2025.

Prelims Question

Q1. With reference to the modernisation of the Indian Air Force (IAF), consider the following statements:

1. The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme aims to develop an indigenous fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter aircraft.

2. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas programme is intended to replace India's entire fleet of transport and reconnaissance aircraft.

3. Artificial Intelligence-enabled command and control systems can improve situational awareness, decision-making and coordination in air operations.

4. Jointness among the Army, Navy and Air Force involves coordination of operational planning, resources and capabilities rather than merely conducting exercises together.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

 

Answer: (b) 

Explanation:

Statement 1 is Correct: AMCA is India's indigenous fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter aircraft development programme.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: LCA Tejas is a lightweight multirole combat aircraft programme intended to replace ageing fighter aircraft, particularly the MiG-21 fleet. It is not meant to replace transport and reconnaissance aircraft.

Statement 3 is Correct: AI-enabled systems can integrate battlefield information, improve threat assessment and support faster operational decisions.

Statement 4 is Correct: Jointness involves integrated planning, coordination, resource utilisation and interoperability among the three services.

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