Rear Admiral V Ganapathy has officially assumed command of the Military Institute of Technology (MILIT) in Pune, signifying a significant transition for one of India’s premier tri-service institutions dedicated to military technology and innovation. The formal change in leadership was celebrated during a ceremony attended by high-ranking military officials, including Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff.
Rear Admiral Ganapathy brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role, having previously served as the Chief Staff Officer (Technical) at the Eastern Naval Command. His exceptional contributions to naval technical operations were recognized in 2018 when he was awarded the Nau Sena Medal. His appointment comes at a critical juncture as MILIT continues to play a vital role in enhancing India’s military preparedness amidst modern security challenges and escalating tensions along the nation’s borders.
Founded in 2012 and integrated into the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff in 2015, the Military Institute of Technology is central to India’s tri-service training efforts in emerging defense technologies. The institution is instrumental in equipping officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force with advanced skills in key areas such as cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, and unmanned systems.
With Rear Admiral Ganapathy’s leadership, expectations are high that the institute will further its mission in line with India’s defense modernization agenda. The government has underscored the importance of this mission by allocating $5.25 billion for defense research and development in the 2024–25 budget, pointing to the growing significance of technical expertise in future combat environments.
The ceremony also highlighted the evolving responsibilities of the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, a role created in 2019 to foster coordination among the three armed services. The leadership change at MILIT is viewed as a key step in aligning India’s military training facilities with long-term strategic goals.
Under Rear Admiral Ganapathy’s stewardship, MILIT is expected to maintain its critical role in promoting collaboration among the services and driving innovation within India’s defense sector.
