Vice Admiral AN Pramod, AVSM, YSM, stepped into the role of Deputy Chief of Naval Staff on August 1, 2026.
A product of the 38th Integrated Cadet Course at the Naval Academy, Goa, he was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1990. He holds a CAT ‘A’ qualification as a Sea King Air Operations Officer and specialises in Communication and Electronic Warfare. His academic background includes the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington and the Naval Higher Command Course at the Naval War College, Goa.
Over 36 Years at Sea and Ashore
Across a career spanning more than 36 years, the Flag Officer has taken on a broad mix of command, operational, instructional, and staff roles, both at sea and on land. His time afloat includes serving as Executive Officer aboard INS Rajput, a Guided Missile Destroyer, and commanding three vessels in succession: INS Abhay, an Anti-Submarine Warfare Patrol Vessel, INS Shardul, a Landing Ship Tank (Large), and INS Satpura, a Guided Missile Frigate.
He also served as Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet during Operation Snow Leopard, the response that followed the Galwan incident. Earlier in his career, he took part in Operation Vijay in 1999 and Operation Parakram in 2001.
AN Pramod’s Shore Postings and Headquarters Roles
On land, he commanded INS Utkrosh, the Naval Air Station at Sri Vijaya Puram, and served as Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington. At Naval Headquarters, his roles included Joint Director Naval Air Staff, and later Director and Principal Director of Aircraft Acquisition. He also sat on the Tactical Audit Group between 2006 and 2009, and on the Indian Naval Strategic and Operational Council from 2016 to 2019.
Rising Through the Ranks
After being promoted to Rear Admiral, he held the posts of Deputy Commandant at the Indian Naval Academy, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air), and Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area.
Following his elevation to Vice Admiral, he served as Director General Naval Operations from December 13, 2023, to July 31, 2026. In that role, he played a close part in planning, preparedness, and operational readiness during Operation Sindoor, and in overseeing maritime security operations amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.
Honours and Succession
His service and leadership earned him the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2024 and the Yudh Seva Medal in 2025. He takes over from Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, who retired from service on July 31, 2026, after more than 38 years of distinguished service.
Key Takeaway: Vice Admiral AN Pramod’s appointment as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff marks the elevation of a highly experienced naval officer with over 36 years of operational, command, and strategic leadership across key maritime and defence assignments.
Having played significant roles in operations such as Vijay, Parakram, Snow Leopard, and Sindoor, as well as leading naval operations during the West Asia crisis, his career reflects the Indian Navy’s emphasis on operational readiness, maritime security, and modern force leadership, while ensuring continuity in its senior command structure following the retirement of Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti.
M.C.Q.
Question 1: Who assumed the office of the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff on 1 August 2026?
- A. Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti
- B. Vice Admiral AN Pramod
- C. Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi
- D. Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan
Question 2: Vice Admiral AN Pramod served as the Director General Naval Operations (DGNO) immediately before becoming the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff. Which of the following operations was he closely associated with in that role?
- A. Operation Meghdoot
- B. Operation Cactus
- C. Operation Sindoor
- D. Operation Pawan
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