New Delhi: Vice Admiral AN Pramod, AVSM, YSM, on Friday assumed charge as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS), marking a significant leadership transition in the Indian Navy. A highly decorated officer with over 36 years of distinguished service, Vice Admiral Pramod brings extensive operational, command and strategic experience to one of the Navy’s most important appointments.
He succeeds Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, who superannuated on July 31, 2026, after serving the Indian Navy for more than 38 years.
Distinguished Naval Career Spanning Over Three Decades
Commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1990, Vice Admiral AN Pramod belongs to the 38th Integrated Cadet Course of the erstwhile Naval Academy, Goa. He is a Category ‘A’ Sea King Air Operations Officer and a Communication and Electronic Warfare Specialist.
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Throughout his naval career, he has held several command, operational, instructional and staff appointments, both at sea and ashore, contributing significantly to the Indian Navy’s operational preparedness and leadership development.
Commanded Key Naval Platforms
Vice Admiral Pramod has commanded multiple key naval platforms across different operational roles.
His major sea commands include:
- INS Abhay, an Anti-Submarine Warfare Patrol Vessel.
- INS Shardul, a Landing Ship Tank (Large).
- INS Satpura, a Guided Missile Frigate.
He also served as the Executive Officer of INS Rajput, a Guided Missile Destroyer, and later as the Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet during Operation Snow Leopard, launched following the Galwan Valley incident.
The Flag Officer also actively participated in Operation Vijay (1999) during the Kargil conflict and Operation Parakram (2001).
Held Key Leadership Roles Ashore
Apart from his operational assignments at sea, Vice Admiral Pramod has held several important appointments ashore.
He commanded INS Utkrosh, the Naval Air Station at Sri Vijaya Puram, and served as a Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.
At Naval Headquarters, he held several strategic appointments, including:
- Joint Director, Naval Air Staff
- Director, Aircraft Acquisition
- Principal Director, Aircraft Acquisition
He was also associated with the Tactical Audit Group between 2006 and 2009 and served on the Indian Naval Strategic and Operational Council from 2016 to 2019.
Leadership at Senior Naval Ranks
Following his promotion to Rear Admiral, Vice Admiral Pramod served as:
- Deputy Commandant, Indian Naval Academy
- Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air)
- Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area
After being elevated to the rank of Vice Admiral, he took over as the Director General Naval Operations (DGNO) on December 13, 2023, a position he held until July 31, 2026.
Played Key Role During Operation Sindoor
As Director General Naval Operations, Vice Admiral Pramod was closely involved in strengthening the operational preparedness of the Indian Navy.
He was closely associated with:
- Planning and operational readiness during Operation Sindoor
- Conduct of maritime security operations amid the ongoing West Asia crisis
His played an important role in the Navy’s operational planning and preparedness during challenging strategic situations.
Honoured for Distinguished Service
In recognition of his exemplary service and operational leadership, Vice Admiral AN Pramod has been conferred with:
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) – 2024
- Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) – 2025
These prestigious awards recognise his outstanding contributions to national security and naval operations.
About Vice Admiral AN Pramod
Vice Admiral AN Pramod is one of the Indian Navy’s most experienced operational commanders, with expertise in air operations, communication systems and electronic warfare.
An alumnus of the:
- Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington
- Naval Higher Command Course, Naval War College, Goa
He has built a distinguished career through frontline operational commands, strategic planning assignments and leadership positions at Naval Headquarters. His experience spans operational command, maritime security, aircraft acquisition and officer training, making him one of the Navy’s senior-most operational leaders.
With his appointment as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod brings extensive operational, command and strategic experience to one of the Indian Navy’s highest leadership positions.
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