Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar Takes Over as Indian Navy's 40th Chief of Materiel

Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar, AVSM, VSM, has taken over as the 40th Chief of Materiel of the Indian Navy, following the retirement of Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh, AVSM, VSM, who completed over 39 years of exemplary service.

Vice Admiral Sivakumar, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy's 70th course, was commissioned as an Electrical Officer in the Indian Navy on July 1, 1987. He is a highly qualified officer with a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from IIT Chennai, a postgraduate qualification in Higher Defence Management from Osmania University, an MPhil from Madras University, and he has also attended the National Defence College.

Throughout a distinguished career spanning more than 38 years, Vice Admiral Sivakumar has held several significant positions at Naval Headquarters, Command Headquarters, and Naval Dockyards on both the East and West coasts. He has served on frontline warships such as INS Ranjit, INS Kirpan, and INS Akshay, and has commanded the esteemed Electrical Training Base, INS Valsura.

He has the unique distinction of having led both the Electrical Directorates of Weapons Equipment and Electrical Engineering at Naval Headquarters. His extensive experience covers a comprehensive range of naval technologies, major projects, and technical administration.

In his capacity as a Flag Officer, he has served as Additional Director General (Technical) for Project Seabird, Chief Staff Officer (Technical) at the Western Naval Command Headquarters, and as Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. Before taking on his current role, he was the Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition and Director General of Naval Projects at Visakhapatnam.

For his outstanding service, Vice Admiral Sivakumar has been honored with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).

Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh, his predecessor, was praised for his visionary direction in enhancing the technical readiness of the Indian Navy. Under his leadership, the Navy maintained peak operational capabilities during Operation Sindoor, showcasing his strategic insight and professional excellence.

The appointment of Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar as Chief of Materiel signifies the Navy's ongoing commitment to advancing technology, promoting indigenisation, and ensuring combat preparedness to maintain the Indian Navy as a modern and mission-ready maritime force.