Rear Admiral Arvind Rawal has officially taken the reins as the Chief Staff Officer (Technical) at the Western Naval Command (WNC) as of December 10, 2025. With an extensive career spanning over 33 years, he brings a wealth of operational, technical, and leadership experience to this critical position.
Commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1992, Rear Admiral Rawal is an esteemed alumnus of several prestigious military institutions, including the National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla, the Naval War College (NWC) in Goa, and the National Defence College (NDC) in New Delhi.
Throughout his distinguished career, Rear Admiral Rawal has held numerous key positions both domestically and internationally. His operational experience is particularly notable, having served onboard several frontline warships, including INS Ranvijay, INS Rajput, and INS Shivalik. His leadership capabilities were further exemplified when he commanded INS Shivaji, the premier technical training establishment of the Navy.
In addition to his operational roles, he has also completed three significant tenures at Naval Headquarters and served as a Technical Advisor at the High Commission of India in Victoria, Seychelles, showcasing his versatility and expertise in naval operations.
After his promotion to Flag Rank on February 1, 2024, Rear Admiral Rawal took on the pivotal role of Director General Project-75, managing India’s ambitious submarine construction program. He later served as the Assistant Chief of Materiel (Dockyard & Refit) at Naval Headquarters, where he was instrumental in strategic planning and implementation in the realm of naval materials and maintenance.
As the new Chief Staff Officer (Technical) at the Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Rawal is poised to significantly influence technical operations, maintenance support, and capability enhancement across the Navy’s premier command. His extensive experience positions him to address the complex challenges of modern naval warfare, ensuring that the Indian Navy remains a formidable force in the region and beyond.
