Rear Admiral V Ganapathy Takes Command of Pune's Military Institute of Technology

Rear Admiral V Ganapathy has assumed the role of Commandant at the Military Institute of Technology (MILIT) in Pune, a significant transition for one of India's premier tri-service institutions dedicated to advancements in military technology and innovation. This leadership change was observed in a ceremony attended by senior military officials, including Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff.

Rear Admiral Ganapathy, renowned for his technical expertise and strategic vision, previously held the position of Chief Staff Officer (Technical) at the Eastern Naval Command. He was honored with the Nau Sena Medal in 2018 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to naval technical operations. His appointment comes at a crucial time as MILIT plays an increasingly vital role in enhancing India's military readiness amidst modern security challenges and escalating border tensions.

Established in 2012 and integrated into the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff in 2015, the Military Institute of Technology serves as a fundamental pillar for India's tri-service training in cutting-edge defense technologies. The institution is instrumental in providing officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force with advanced knowledge in fields like cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, and unmanned systems.

Under the leadership of Rear Admiral Ganapathy, MILIT is anticipated to bolster its mission in line with India's broader defense modernization strategy. The government's heightened budget focus—allocating $5.25 billion for defense research and development in the 2024–25 period—emphasizes the increasing significance of technical expertise in future combat scenarios.

The event also underscored the evolving function of the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, a role established in 2019 to strengthen coordination among the three military branches. The leadership transition at MILIT is viewed as a step towards aligning India's military training institutions with its long-term strategic goals.

With Rear Admiral Ganapathy leading, MILIT is set to maintain its pioneering position in promoting inter-service cooperation and driving technological innovation across India's defense sector.