Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit brings over 3,500 hours of flying experience to his new role as the 29th Chief of the Indian Air Force. With decades of operational and leadership experience, he takes charge at a time when the IAF is focusing on modernisation, strengthening squadron capacity and preparing for the evolving challenges of modern warfare.


Air Chief Marshal Dixit has over 3,500 hours of flying experience

For the celebrations of the 93rd Air Force Day 2025 on Wednesday (Oct 8), the Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, arrived in a vintage 1967 Ford Salon at the Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad. The vehicle, which was inducted into the Indian Air Force on July 30, 1969, carries a registration plate of ‘IAF 1’. The left-hand drive vintage car became the centre of attraction as the Air Force chief waved at the crowd from its window.Manufactured in 1967, the Ford Saloon has carried several Air Force Chiefs since its induction in 1969. The Air Chief Marshal PC Lal, who led the air warriors in the 1971 India-Pakistan war, was the first to ride the car in 1969. Between 1969 to 1992, the car was used by multiple other chiefs and was later inducted into the Air Force Museum in Palam, New Delhi, after it was presented by ACM Nirmal Chandra Suri.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Air Force Chief arrived at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirForceDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirForceDay</a> celebrations in the 1967 Ford Saloon car.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ford?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ford</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Car?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Car</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vehicle?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vehicle</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Airforce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Airforce</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IAF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IAF</a> <a href="https://t.co/9pn7kUOZWI">pic.twitter.com/9pn7kUOZWI</a>&mdash; DefenceAtNews (@defenceattnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/defenceattnews/status/1975858352195297741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The cream coloured 1967 Ford Saloon is equipped with a 390 V-B engine with 315 Brake Horsepower at 4600 RPM, with an 8-cylinder unitDuring his address at the Air Force Day celebrations, the IAF chief lauded the indigenously developed and integrated weapons. He also praised the Indian Armed Forces’ meticulous planning, disciplined training and determined execution that led to the success of Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.“The outstanding performance of the indigenously developed and integrated weapons which delivered precise and devastating blows deep inside enemy territory, vindicates our faith in home-grown capabilities. Operation Sindoor is a shining example of what can be achieved through meticulous planning, disciplined training and determined execution,” he said.The celebrations also witnessed the Heritage Flight (erstwhile Vintage Aircraft Flight), a fleet of vintage aircraft that hails the legacy of the Indian Air Force.

Manufactured in 1967, the Ford Saloon has carried several Air Force Chiefs since its induction in 1969. The Air Chief Marshal PC Lal, who led the air warriors in the 1971 India-Pakistan war, was the first to ride the car in 1969.

For the celebrations of the 93rd Air Force Day 2025 on Wednesday (Oct 8), the Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, arrived in a vintage 1967 Ford Salon at the Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad. The vehicle, which was inducted into the Indian Air Force on July 30, 1969, carries a registration plate of ‘IAF 1’. The left-hand drive vintage car became the centre of attraction as the Air Force chief waved at the crowd from its window. Manufactured in 1967, the Ford Saloon has carried several Air Force Chiefs since its induction in 1969. The Air Chief Marshal PC Lal, who led the air warriors in the 1971 India-Pakistan war, was the first to ride the car in 1969. Between 1969 to 1992, the car was used by multiple other chiefs and was later inducted into the Air Force Museum in Palam, New Delhi, after it was presented by ACM Nirmal Chandra Suri.

Manufactured in 1967, the Ford Saloon has carried several Air Force Chiefs since its induction in 1969. The Air Chief Marshal PC Lal, who led the air warriors in the 1971 India-Pakistan war, was the first to ride the car in 1969.

WATCH | Air Chief Marshal AP Singh rides vintage 1967 Ford Salon on Air Force Day 2025

Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik said that India defines neighbourhood welfare as one of the prime objectives of its foreign policy. He added, 'Kashmir issue is misunderstood by a lot of people around the world. Kashmir has been with us for the last so many years. There should be no doubt in anybody's mind that Kashmir is not an integral part of India. Whether the world supports it or not it will remain an integral part of India.'

Indian Air Chief Marshal on India's neighbourhood first policy | WION Global Summit 2020

Amid constant threats of nuclear war by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, the new IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria on Monday said the Indian Air Force was ready to face any challenges.

"What he (Pakistan Prime Minister) said is their understanding of the nuclear and strategic aspects. We have our own understanding and our own analysis and we will be ready to face any challenges," Bhadauria told ANI.

Despite being snubbed globally over the Kashmir issue, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had on September 28 yet again warned of dire consequences in the event of a nuclear war with India over the matter."If a conventional war starts between the two countries anything could happen. A country seven times smaller than its neighbour what will it do — either surrender or fight for its freedom," he said in his maiden address to the UN General Assembly.

"My belief is we will fight and when a nuclear-armed country fights till the end it will consequence far beyond the borders. I am warning you. It`s not a threat but worries about where are we heading. If this goes wrong you hope for the best but prepare for the worst," Khan had said.&nbsp;

Bhadauria had also said that the Rafale jets will greatly enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and will give the IAF an edge over Pakistan and China.

"Rafale is a very capable aircraft, once we induct it, it will be a gamechanger in terms of our operational capability and when we use it in combination with SU-30 and other fleets which we have, we would have a serious jump in our capability. It will give us an edge over Pakistan and China," Bhadauria told ANI soon after taking over as the 26th chief of the force.

Amid constant threats of nuclear war by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, the new IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria on Monday said the Indian Air Force was ready to face any challenges.

Amid constant threats of nuclear war by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, the new IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria on Monday said the Indian Air Force was ready to face any challenges. "What he (Pakistan Prime Minister) said is their understanding of the nuclear and strategic aspects. We have our own understanding and our own analysis and we will be ready to face any challenges," Bhadauria told ANI. Despite being snubbed globally over the Kashmir issue, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had on September 28 yet again warned of dire consequences in the event of a nuclear war with India over the matter."If a conventional war starts between the two countries anything could happen. A country seven times smaller than its neighbour what will it do — either surrender or fight for its freedom," he said in his maiden address to the UN General Assembly. "My belief is we will fight and when a nuclear-armed country fights till the end it will consequence far beyond the borders. I am warning you. It`s not a threat but worries about where are we heading. If this goes wrong you hope for the best but prepare for the worst," Khan had said. Bhadauria had also said that the Rafale jets will greatly enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and will give the IAF an edge over Pakistan and China. "Rafale is a very capable aircraft, once we induct it, it will be a gamechanger in terms of our operational capability and when we use it in combination with SU-30 and other fleets which we have, we would have a serious jump in our capability. It will give us an edge over Pakistan and China," Bhadauria told ANI soon after taking over as the 26th chief of the force.

IAF ready to face any challenges from Pakistan: Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria 

Eight US-made Apache AH-64E attack helicopters have been inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the Pathankot Air Base in Punjab on Tuesday. Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa is the chief guest of the event. Watch this video to know more.

India: 8 Apache helicopters inducted into IAF

Eight US-made Apache AH-64E attack helicopters are set to be inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the Pathankot Air Base in Punjab on Tuesday. Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa will be the chief guest during the induction ceremony.

8 US-made Apache attack helicopters to be inducted into IAF today

Eight US-made Apache AH-64E attack helicopters have been inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the Pathankot Air Base in Punjab on Tuesday. Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa was the chief guest of the event. Watch this video to know more.

All you need to know about Apache AH-64E

Air Chief Marshal <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-chief-birender-singh-dhanoa-embarks-on-four-day-visit-to-russia-233971&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj_y-Hit7njAhWZiHAKHfqBDX0QFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1k1QSkpQxxFBE6I8JtR0Hy">B S Dhanoa</a> on Tuesday said that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is well prepared to fight a Kargil-like war again.

"Like all good generals, we are prepared to fight the last war. If Kargil comes again, we are very well prepared," he said at an event to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 1999 Kargil conflict.

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Indian Air Force Chief BS Dhanoa on the 20th anniversary of Kargil War: Like all good Generals, we are prepared to fight the last war. If Kargil comes again, we are very well prepared. <a href="https://t.co/EBVNmFB3YO">pic.twitter.com/EBVNmFB3YO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1151080157358317575?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Listing out the precision attack capabilities acquired by the force after the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/20th-year-of-kargil-war-indian-air-force-turns-gwalior-air-base-into-war-theatre-229911&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj_y-Hit7njAhWZiHAKHfqBDX0QFjAEegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1B99-sGZFfnG95SxiDeGOz">Kargil War</a>, Dhanoa said, "In case required, we can do all-weather bombing even through the clouds very accurately.&nbsp;

We have seen an attack carried out on February 26 (Balakot airstrike) that we are capable of carrying out a precision strike from standoff distances and very accurately.

"The `Kargil Vijay Diwas`, named after the success of `Operation Vijay`, marks the victory of India over Pakistan during the Kargil War in 1999.

It is celebrated on July 26 every year.

India had successfully managed to recapture the high outposts in the Kargil-Drass sector, which was occupied by the Pakistani intruders.

To assist the Indian Army, the IAF had launched airstrikes under the `Operation Safed Sagar` to evict the Pakistani intruders from the high outposts.

The Army has planned celebratory events across the country from July 25-27 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the conflict. 
&nbsp;

Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa on Tuesday said that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is well prepared to fight a Kargil-like war again. "Like all good generals, we are prepared to fight the last war.

Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa on Tuesday said that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is well prepared to fight a Kargil-like war again. "Like all good generals, we are prepared to fight the last war. If Kargil comes again, we are very well prepared," he said at an event to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 1999 Kargil conflict. Indian Air Force Chief BS Dhanoa on the 20th anniversary of Kargil War: Like all good Generals, we are prepared to fight the last war. If Kargil comes again, we are very well prepared. pic.twitter.com/EBVNmFB3YO — ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2019 × Listing out the precision attack capabilities acquired by the force after the Kargil War, Dhanoa said, "In case required, we can do all-weather bombing even through the clouds very accurately. We have seen an attack carried out on February 26 (Balakot airstrike) that we are capable of carrying out a precision strike from standoff distances and very accurately. "The `Kargil Vijay Diwas`, named after the success of `Operation Vijay`, marks the victory of India over Pakistan during the Kargil War in 1999. It is celebrated on July 26 every year. India had successfully managed to recapture the high outposts in the Kargil-Drass sector, which was occupied by the Pakistani intruders. To assist the Indian Army, the IAF had launched airstrikes under the `Operation Safed Sagar` to evict the Pakistani intruders from the high outposts. The Army has planned celebratory events across the country from July 25-27 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the conflict.

Well prepared for a Kargil-like conflict again: IAF Chief BS Dhanoa

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) B.S. Dhanoa on Monday paid tribute to Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja who lost his life 20 years back during the Kargil conflict by flying a ‘missing man’ formation in a Mig-21.

IAF Chief Dhanoa leads ‘Missing Man’ formation in Mig-21

Brushing aside China&#39;s&nbsp;reaction on the test firing of long-range nuclear-capable missile Agni-V, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha today said India should carry on with its task of building deterrence capability.

In an apparent swipe at China, he said one should not talk about someone else doing something unless it is prohibited like nuclear proliferation and went on to add that it is &quot;common knowledge&quot; as to what is happening in this region &quot;in terms of collusion, transfer of technology which is forbidden&quot;.

Underlining that India is only building up its deterrence capability, Raha, who is also the Chairman Chief of Staff Committee, said the country will have to build its capability &quot;in order to strike deep into adversary&#39;s heartland&quot; which will act as a deterrent.

The Agni V missile, with an over 5000 km range, covers the entire China.

Reacting to the missile test-firing, China&#39;s&nbsp;foreign ministry&nbsp;had yesterday hoped that it complied with UN Security Council rules and safeguarded South Asia&#39;s strategic balance.

&quot;I think in international diplomacy, normal diplomacy or military diplomacy, these posturing and signalling will always be there.

&quot;So we should just go about with our task, meet our own requirements, security challenges,&quot; Raha said addressing a press conference here days before he demotes office on December 31.

Not mincing words, Raha said he will not like to comment on what somebody else is doing unless it is prohibited.

&quot;Like nuclear proliferation, which is common knowledge to everyone, what is happening in this region, in terms of collusion, transfer of technology which is forbidden. This is all common knowledge. I am not saying something new,&quot; he said, without naming any country.

The IAF chief stated that India is legitimately developing its capability indigenously and he does not think anyone should complain about it.

Raha said India is &quot;obviously building up&quot; capability not to actually fight a conflict as it believes in peace and tranquillity.

&quot;But we also know we have been drawn into conflicts several times in the past. So going by historical experience, we have to build our capability. Capability to deter. How do we deter an adversary who is strong? We have to build up capability in order to strike deep into adversary&#39;s heartland, take on targets effectively which will hurt the adversary,&quot; he said.

Raha added that this capability is being built up especially with the IAF&#39;s striking prowess.

&quot;We are building up our forces in the sea. The army is being strengthened further in terms of a new strike corps. I think a lot of effort is going on to tackle any contingency... creation of infrastructure, induction of equipment,&quot; he said.

Raha underlined that overall there is a thrust by the government and the armed forces to bolster deterrence capability more than anything else.

&quot;It is not specific to any country,&quot; he said.

The IAF chief refused to name China in any of his comments despite repeated questions on China&#39;s defence capability.

Raha said every country has the right to make its own assessment of security needs.

&quot;It will not be appropriate for me to speak about any country in the neighbourhood. But definitely, we take everything into consideration when we do a threat appreciation,&quot; he said.

The air chief said India&#39;s efforts on capability matrix are not based against one single country but on the threat appreciation as well as its plans for where it wants to be in future, what role does it want to play in the region and on the world stage and what reputation it wants to create.

&quot;Definitely some of the countries are doing very well. One of our neighbours has lot of money, lot of wealth. They have progressed very well. They have enough funds to put into research and development which is common knowledge,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

(PTI)

Arup Raha said India was only building up its deterrence capability due to volatility in the region

Brushing aside China's reaction on the test firing of long-range nuclear-capable missile Agni-V, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha today said India should carry on with its task of building deterrence capability. In an apparent swipe at China, he said one should not talk about someone else doing something unless it is prohibited like nuclear proliferation and went on to add that it is "common knowledge" as to what is happening in this region "in terms of collusion, transfer of technology which is forbidden". Underlining that India is only building up its deterrence capability, Raha, who is also the Chairman Chief of Staff Committee, said the country will have to build its capability "in order to strike deep into adversary's heartland" which will act as a deterrent. The Agni V missile, with an over 5000 km range, covers the entire China. Reacting to the missile test-firing, China's foreign ministry had yesterday hoped that it complied with UN Security Council rules and safeguarded South Asia's strategic balance. "I think in international diplomacy, normal diplomacy or military diplomacy, these posturing and signalling will always be there. "So we should just go about with our task, meet our own requirements, security challenges," Raha said addressing a press conference here days before he demotes office on December 31. Not mincing words, Raha said he will not like to comment on what somebody else is doing unless it is prohibited. "Like nuclear proliferation, which is common knowledge to everyone, what is happening in this region, in terms of collusion, transfer of technology which is forbidden. This is all common knowledge. I am not saying something new," he said, without naming any country. The IAF chief stated that India is legitimately developing its capability indigenously and he does not think anyone should complain about it. Raha said India is "obviously building up" capability not to actually fight a conflict as it believes in peace and tranquillity. "But we also know we have been drawn into conflicts several times in the past. So going by historical experience, we have to build our capability. Capability to deter. How do we deter an adversary who is strong? We have to build up capability in order to strike deep into adversary's heartland, take on targets effectively which will hurt the adversary," he said. Raha added that this capability is being built up especially with the IAF's striking prowess. "We are building up our forces in the sea. The army is being strengthened further in terms of a new strike corps. I think a lot of effort is going on to tackle any contingency... creation of infrastructure, induction of equipment," he said. Raha underlined that overall there is a thrust by the government and the armed forces to bolster deterrence capability more than anything else. "It is not specific to any country," he said. The IAF chief refused to name China in any of his comments despite repeated questions on China's defence capability. Raha said every country has the right to make its own assessment of security needs. "It will not be appropriate for me to speak about any country in the neighbourhood. But definitely, we take everything into consideration when we do a threat appreciation," he said. The air chief said India's efforts on capability matrix are not based against one single country but on the threat appreciation as well as its plans for where it wants to be in future, what role does it want to play in the region and on the world stage and what reputation it wants to create. "Definitely some of the countries are doing very well. One of our neighbours has lot of money, lot of wealth. They have progressed very well. They have enough funds to put into research and development which is common knowledge," he said. (PTI)

India's Air Force chief dismisses China's Agni-V concern

The massive hunt for an Indian Air Force plane that went missing in stormy monsoon weather over the Bay of Bengal on Friday, July 22 with 29 people on board has dragged into the fourth day. The Indian Air Force Chief Marshal Arup Raha has only come out with a statement now. Air Force and Navy officials said the search was continuing but no signs of any wreckage had so far been found. 
 
&quot;It is very unfortunate that we have not been able to trace the missing aircraft and the personnel on board. It is a very difficult moment for all of us and we share the concerns of the distraught family members. IAF authorities are in constant touch with the family members of the missing personnel and they are being regularly updated about the efforts being made to trace the missing aircraft and personnel,&quot; said Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha.&nbsp; 
 
Rescuers have failed to pick up any emergency transmitter signals from the plane, an official said on Monday. 
 
Rajan Bargotra, a senior coastguard official, said the absence of signals from an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) made the operation very difficult. 
 
&quot;It is important to know why ELT has not worked as it could have helped narrow down the location of the plane,&quot; Bargotra told reporters. 
The ELT device is meant to start transmitting the plane&#39;s location the moment it touches water or in the event of a crash. 
 
Difficulties have been compounded by stormy monsoon weather in the Bay of Bengal. 
 
Families of the military personnel on board of the missing plane have been anxiously waiting for any news. 
 
&quot;He left on Wednesday. I also went up to the road to drop him. I made him sit in the auto. He told me he was going for 20 days and that it could extend by two more days,&quot; said wife of Chinnarao, an employee of Naval Armament Depot, who was on board of the plane. 
 
&quot;Events like these are painful reminders of the inherent risks which our brave personnel face in the execution of our daily missions. A thorough enquiry will be conducted to ascertain exactly what led to this unfortunate event. The IAF remains committed to provide the best possible equipment and training to our personnel so that they can execute their assigned missions professionally. &nbsp;Our prayers and thoughts are there with the missing personnel and their families and no effort will be spared to locate them,&rdquo; informed Raha.&nbsp; 
 
Sixteen ships, a submarine and six aircraft are searching for the plane that disappeared on a routine re-supply flight to remote islands in the Bay of Bengal on Friday. 
 
AN-32 aircraft was on a scheduled courier sortie from Tambaram, Chennai to Port Blair when it went missing. The aircraft had departed Tambaram at 0830 AM on July 22 with 6 crew and 23 personnel.&nbsp; 
 
Radar contact with the aircraft was lost when the aircraft was east of Chennai at an approximate distance of 270 km. Since then there has been no contact with the aircraft.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Air Chief Marshal Raha said ?It is very unfortunate that we have not been able to trace the missing aircraft and the personnel on board."

The massive hunt for an Indian Air Force plane that went missing in stormy monsoon weather over the Bay of Bengal on Friday, July 22 with 29 people on board has dragged into the fourth day. The Indian Air Force Chief Marshal Arup Raha has only come out with a statement now. Air Force and Navy officials said the search was continuing but no signs of any wreckage had so far been found. "It is very unfortunate that we have not been able to trace the missing aircraft and the personnel on board. It is a very difficult moment for all of us and we share the concerns of the distraught family members. IAF authorities are in constant touch with the family members of the missing personnel and they are being regularly updated about the efforts being made to trace the missing aircraft and personnel," said Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha. Rescuers have failed to pick up any emergency transmitter signals from the plane, an official said on Monday. Rajan Bargotra, a senior coastguard official, said the absence of signals from an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) made the operation very difficult. "It is important to know why ELT has not worked as it could have helped narrow down the location of the plane," Bargotra told reporters. The ELT device is meant to start transmitting the plane's location the moment it touches water or in the event of a crash. Difficulties have been compounded by stormy monsoon weather in the Bay of Bengal. Families of the military personnel on board of the missing plane have been anxiously waiting for any news. "He left on Wednesday. I also went up to the road to drop him. I made him sit in the auto. He told me he was going for 20 days and that it could extend by two more days," said wife of Chinnarao, an employee of Naval Armament Depot, who was on board of the plane. "Events like these are painful reminders of the inherent risks which our brave personnel face in the execution of our daily missions. A thorough enquiry will be conducted to ascertain exactly what led to this unfortunate event. The IAF remains committed to provide the best possible equipment and training to our personnel so that they can execute their assigned missions professionally. Our prayers and thoughts are there with the missing personnel and their families and no effort will be spared to locate them,” informed Raha. Sixteen ships, a submarine and six aircraft are searching for the plane that disappeared on a routine re-supply flight to remote islands in the Bay of Bengal on Friday. AN-32 aircraft was on a scheduled courier sortie from Tambaram, Chennai to Port Blair when it went missing. The aircraft had departed Tambaram at 0830 AM on July 22 with 6 crew and 23 personnel. Radar contact with the aircraft was lost when the aircraft was east of Chennai at an approximate distance of 270 km. Since then there has been no contact with the aircraft. (Reuters)

IAF plane search day 4: No signs of any wreckage