Lt Gen Amit Rao Assumes Command as Army Air Defence College Chief at Gopalpur

Lieutenant General Amit Rao has taken over as Commandant of the Army Air Defence College (AADC) at Gopalpur, bringing in new leadership at one of the Indian Army’s key training institutions for its Air Defence arm.

The appointment was marked by greetings from Lieutenant General Sukriti Singh Dahiya, SM, VSM, the Officiating General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Army Training Command (ARTRAC). She congratulated Lt Gen Amit Rao on assuming charge and conveyed her best wishes for his tenure at the college.

Lt Gen Dahiya, who also serves as Chief of Staff, Headquarters ARTRAC, and Colonel Commandant of the Bengal Sappers and Military Survey, extended her wishes in her additional capacities as well. The interaction underlined the importance attached within Army training circles to leadership transitions at institutions responsible for professional military education.

Located at Gopalpur, the Army Air Defence College is a specialised training establishment that plays a central role in building the Army Air Defence’s technical and professional capabilities. It is responsible for imparting specialised training and developing expertise among personnel, helping maintain high standards of operational preparedness through instruction in technical proficiency, leadership and domain knowledge.

The change in command comes at a time when the Indian Army continues to place greater emphasis on strengthening air defence in response to fast-changing aerial threats. The growing use of unmanned aerial systems, precision weapons and other emerging technologies has made specialised training and constant adaptation increasingly important for air defence personnel.

As the new Commandant, Lt Gen Amit Rao is expected to oversee the college’s continued focus on professional excellence and capability development. His tenure will be closely tied to preparing soldiers for the demands of a technology-driven battlefield, where air defence units must remain ready to respond to evolving threats.

The occasion also reflected ARTRAC’s broader emphasis on military education, training and professional development as essential elements of operational readiness across the Army.