Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, AVSM, NM, has officially taken over as the Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition (CWP&A) as of November 28, 2025. This significant appointment comes at a crucial time in the Indian Navy’s initiatives for warship development and modernization.
Having been commissioned into the Navy in 1987, Vice Admiral Sadhu boasts a remarkable service record spanning over 38 years, complemented by a robust academic background that includes a Post Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies. His diverse career has equipped him with extensive experience across various critical operational, staff, technical, and shipyard roles.
Vice Admiral Sadhu’s operational experience includes serving aboard the renowned aircraft carrier INS Viraat and frontline frigates such as INS Brahmaputra and INS Dunagiri. His career has been marked by pivotal roles prior to his promotion to Flag Rank, including Additional General Manager (Production) at Naval Dockyard Mumbai, Commodore Superintendent at Naval Ship Repair Yard in Karwar, and Principal Director Marine Engineering at Naval Headquarters.
In addition, Vice Admiral Sadhu was instrumental in the acquisition and modernization efforts of INS Vikramaditya. His involvement encompassed key positions, such as Senior Naval Engineer Overseer within the Warship Overseeing Team in Severodvinsk, Russia, as well as the Director and Principal Director for Aircraft Carrier Projects at Naval Headquarters.
At the Flag Rank, he has assumed some of the Navy’s most significant senior technical and design roles, notably serving as Additional Director General at the Warship Design Bureau (Submarine Design Group) and Chief Staff Officer (Technical) at both the Eastern and Western Naval Commands. Notably, he has also held the position of Admiral Superintendent Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, making him one of the few officers to lead major dockyards on both coasts of India.
In his most recent role before becoming CWP&A, he acted as Programme Director for the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Programme, overseeing critical components of India’s strategic submarine development.
Vice Admiral Sadhu succeeds Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, AVSM, NM, who is set to retire on November 30, 2025, after an extraordinary 38-year career during which he oversaw the commissioning of eight warships into the Indian Navy.
Vice Admiral Sadhu’s new role is anticipated to significantly enhance the Navy’s indigenisation efforts, bolster warship production capabilities, and support ongoing acquisition programs vital to strengthening India’s maritime capability.
