Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar, AVSM, VSM, has officially taken over as the 40th Chief of Materiel of the Indian Navy, following the retirement of Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh, AVSM, VSM, who concluded over 39 years of dedicated service.
An alumnus of the renowned 70th Course of the National Defence Academy, Vice Admiral Sivakumar began his naval career as an Electrical Officer on July 1, 1987. His educational background is extensive, with a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from IIT Chennai, a postgraduate qualification in Higher Defence Management from Osmania University, an MPhil from Madras University, and he is also an alumnus of the National Defence College.
Throughout his impressive career, which spans more than 38 years, Vice Admiral Sivakumar has held a variety of key positions at Naval Headquarters, Command Headquarters, and both Naval Dockyards on the East and West coasts of India. He has served on several frontline vessels, including the INS Ranjit, INS Kirpan, and INS Akshay. He has also commanded the prestigious Electrical Training Base, INS Valsura.
Vice Admiral Sivakumar is notable for his leadership of both the Electrical Directorates of Weapons Equipment and Electrical Engineering at Naval Headquarters. His extensive experience covers a wide spectrum of naval technologies, major projects, and technical administration, underscoring his versatility and depth of knowledge.
In his capacity as a Flag Officer, he has contributed as the Additional Director General (Technical) for Project Seabird and served as Chief Staff Officer (Technical) at the Headquarters Western Naval Command. His role as Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard in Mumbai further attests to his administrative acumen. Prior to his current role, he effectively managed responsibilities as Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition and Director General Naval Projects based in Visakhapatnam.
In acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to the Indian Navy, Vice Admiral Sivakumar has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).
His predecessor, Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh, was recognized for his exceptional leadership and strategic foresight, particularly during Operation Sindoor, when the Navy upheld its operational capabilities at critical junctures.
Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar’s new role as Chief of Materiel signifies the Indian Navy’s ongoing commitment to advancing technology, fostering indigenisation, and enhancing combat preparedness, ensuring that it remains a modern and mission-ready maritime force.
