Meet Rear Admiral Iftekhar Alam: New ADG of Warship Design Bureau
The appointment of Rear Admiral Iftekhar Alam as Additional Director General (ADG) of the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) marks a significant development in the Indian Navy's ongoing efforts to bolster indigenous maritime capabilities. Commissioned into the Indian Navy on November 26, 1994, Rear Admiral Alam brings over 31 years of specialized experience in naval engineering, systems integration, and command roles. His career trajectory reflects a deep commitment to enhancing India's naval strength through technical expertise and strategic leadership.
Educational and Professional Foundations
Rear Admiral Iftekhar Alam's academic credentials are rooted in rigorous naval training and advanced studies. He is an alumnus of the Naval College of Engineering, where he honed his technical skills, the Naval War College in Goa for strategic education, and the National Defence College in Kenya for higher defense studies. Complementing these, he holds an M Tech and a PhD in Electronics and Telecommunication, fields critical to modern warship design and electronic systems. This educational background has enabled him to excel in roles requiring both operational acumen and technological innovation.
Throughout his service, Rear Admiral Alam has held a diverse array of appointments, including afloat duties on naval vessels, staff positions in headquarters, yard responsibilities in shipbuilding and maintenance, and command roles at key installations. These experiences have contributed extensively to warship engineering, systems integration, and overall naval capability enhancement, aligning with the Indian Navy's emphasis on self-reliance.
Key Career Milestones
Rear Admiral Alam's progression in the Indian Navy can be traced through several notable appointments and achievements. Below is a timeline of documented milestones based on available records:
| Date/Period | Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| November 26, 1994 | Commissioning into Indian Navy | Entered service as a naval officer, beginning a career focused on technical and operational roles. |
| Pre-2023 | Various Afloat, Staff, and Yard Appointments | Served in multiple capacities contributing to warship engineering and systems integration. |
| April 17, 2023 | Assumption of Command as Commodore | Took over as Commanding Officer of INS Tunir and Senior Officer at Karanja during a ceremonial parade. INS Tunir, commissioned on June 7, 1974, serves as the Indian Navy's first missile establishment and naval missile depot in Mumbai. |
| Between 2023 and 2025 | Promotion to Rear Admiral | Advanced to the rank of Rear Admiral, reflecting his contributions to naval operations and technology. |
| December 1, 2025 | Appointment as ADG, Warship Design Bureau | Assumed the role of Additional Director General at WDB in New Delhi. |
This timeline underscores his steady rise through the ranks, with a focus on missile technology and warship-related expertise during his tenure at INS Tunir, which handles missile storage, issuance, and ammunition barges.
Awards and Recognitions
For his distinguished service, Rear Admiral Alam has been honored with the Nau Sena Medal (NM), a prestigious award recognizing exceptional devotion to duty in the Indian Navy. This accolade highlights his contributions to naval operations and technical advancements.
The Warship Design Bureau: Context and Significance
The Warship Design Bureau, headquartered under Naval Headquarters in New Delhi, is the Indian Navy's premier organization for warship design. Established over six decades ago, WDB has been instrumental in transforming the Indian Navy into a "Builder's Navy" through indigenous design and construction. To date, it has designed 20 types of warships, ranging from Seaward Defence Boats to advanced aircraft carriers, and has delivered the 100th indigenously designed vessel.
WDB's role extends to future projects, including next-generation destroyers, frigates, corvettes, and submarines, emphasizing innovation, technology absorption, and alignment with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative for self-reliance in defense. It also hosts seminars and collaborates on shipbuilding to foster national maritime destiny.
Outlook in the New Role
As ADG, Rear Admiral Alam is anticipated to play a pivotal role in advancing these objectives, leveraging his background in electronics, telecommunication, and command experience to drive indigenous warship innovation and enhance India's maritime power. His leadership comes at a time when the Indian Navy is expanding its indigenous capabilities, including projects like the IRS-class ammunition barges associated with INS Tunir.
This profile encapsulates Rear Admiral Iftekhar Alam's journey from commissioning to his current strategic position, underscoring his contributions to India's naval prowess.
