New Delhi: Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar has assumed charge as the 48th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, marking a new chapter in a distinguished naval career spanning more than three decades.
After taking over the appointment, the senior naval officer paid tribute to the nation’s fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial, honouring those who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the country.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Vice Admiral Kochhar was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1988. A specialist in gunnery and missile systems, he has held several operational, command and strategic appointments throughout his career.
His sea commands include INS Nashak, INS Vibhuti and INS Kirpan. He also served as the commissioning commanding officer of INS Trikand and later commanded the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. During his tenure aboard the carrier, the ship successfully integrated and operationalised its air wing, strengthening its combat readiness.
Vice Admiral Kochhar is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, the Naval War College and the Royal College of Defence Studies. At Naval Headquarters, he held several important appointments, including roles in naval planning, staff requirements and strategic capability development.
Promoted to Flag Rank in 2018, he later served in key acquisition and warship production positions before taking command of the Western Fleet in 2021. He subsequently led the National Defence Academy, where he played a significant role in improving training standards and infrastructure.
In May 2024, he became Chief of Staff of the Western Naval Command and oversaw responses to security challenges in the western maritime region, including high-intensity operations during Operation Sindoor.
Before assuming his new role, Vice Admiral Kochhar served as Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, where he strengthened operational coordination and jointness among the armed forces. His distinguished service has been recognised with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Nau Sena Medal.
