New Delhi, August 1: Vice Admiral AN Pramod, AVSM, YSM, on Friday assumed charge as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS) of the Indian Navy, bringing with him more than 36 years of operational, command and strategic experience.
He succeeds Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, who retired from service on 31 July 2026 after more than 38 years of distinguished service.
Distinguished Naval Career
An alumnus of the 38th Integrated Cadet Course at the Naval Academy, Goa, Vice Admiral AN Pramod was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 July 1990.
He is a:
- Category ‘A’ Sea King Air Operations Officer
- Communication and Electronic Warfare Specialist
- Graduate of the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington
- Alumnus of the Naval Higher Command Course at the Naval War College, Goa
Extensive Command Experience
During his illustrious career, Vice Admiral Pramod has commanded several frontline warships, including:
- INS Abhay – Anti-Submarine Warfare Patrol Vessel
- INS Shardul – Landing Ship Tank (Large)
- INS Satpura – Guided Missile Frigate
He also served as the Executive Officer of INS Rajput, a Guided Missile Destroyer.
His sea-going experience spans anti-submarine warfare, amphibious operations, fleet operations and maritime security missions.
Key Operational Roles
The Flag Officer participated in two major military operations:
- Operation Vijay (Kargil War), 1999
- Operation Parakram, 2001
He also served as the Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet during Operation Snow Leopard, launched after the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020.
Important Shore Appointments
Ashore, Vice Admiral Pramod has held several prestigious appointments, including:
- Commanding Officer, INS Utkrosh (Naval Air Station, Sri Vijaya Puram)
- Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington
- Joint Director Naval Air Staff
- Director and Principal Director, Aircraft Acquisition at Naval Headquarters
He was also a member of:
- Tactical Audit Group (2006–2009)
- Indian Naval Strategic and Operational Council (2016–2019)
Senior Leadership Positions
After promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral, he served as:
- Deputy Commandant, Indian Naval Academy
- Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air)
- Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area
On promotion to Vice Admiral, he was appointed Director General Naval Operations (DGNO) in December 2023.
Key Role During Operation Sindoor
As Director General Naval Operations, Vice Admiral AN Pramod played a crucial role in:
- Planning and operational readiness during Operation Sindoor
- Maritime security operations amid the ongoing West Asia crisis
- Enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational preparedness
- Coordinating strategic naval deployments
His leadership was instrumental in ensuring the Navy’s readiness during a period of heightened regional security challenges.
Decorated Naval Officer
In recognition of his distinguished service and operational leadership, Vice Admiral Pramod has been awarded:
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) – 2024
- Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) – 2025
Key Appointment
As the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral AN Pramod will oversee critical aspects of the Indian Navy’s operational planning, capability development, force modernisation and strategic preparedness.
His appointment comes at a time when the Navy is rapidly expanding its capabilities through the induction of indigenous warships, submarines, aircraft, unmanned systems and advanced maritime technologies under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, while strengthening India’s role as a key maritime power in the Indo-Pacific region.