Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan has officially assumed the role of Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition as of January 30, 2025, taking over from Vice Admiral B Sivakumar. This transition marks a significant moment for the Indian Navy as it continues to advance its maritime capabilities.
Commissioned in 1987, Vice Admiral Swaminathan boasts an impressive career spanning over 37 years in the Indian Navy. His academic credentials include a postgraduate degree from IIT Kharagpur. He has a notable history of service aboard the aircraft carrier INS Viraat, where he garnered extensive experience through various roles over a nine-year period.
Throughout his service, Vice Admiral Swaminathan has held several critical positions. He has served as the Fleet Engineer Officer of the Western Fleet, General Manager for Refits at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, and the Director of Personnel. His expertise also extends to strategic roles, including his time as the Principal Director of Ship Production in New Delhi.
One of his hallmark contributions was his involvement in the procurement of INS Vikramaditya, during which he operated as the Warship Production Superintendent in Russia. His leadership and oversight were crucial in the aircraft carrier’s acquisition, and he later took charge as Principal Director of Aircraft Carrier Projects in Delhi.
In addition to his operational roles, Vice Admiral Swaminathan is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) and the National Defence College (NDC). He has been recognized for his exceptional service to the Indian Navy, receiving accolades such as the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Nao Sena Medal (NM).
Before his latest appointment, Vice Admiral Swaminathan held various prominent leadership positions, including Director General of Naval Projects and Admiral Superintendent of Dockyard in Mumbai. He also served as the Assistant Chief of Materiel for both Research & Development and Modernization in New Delhi.
In his new capacity as the Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, Vice Admiral Swaminathan will be responsible for overseeing the construction, acquisition, and modernization of naval assets. His leadership is expected to play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the Indian Navy’s technological edge and combat readiness in an increasingly complex maritime environment.
