Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu Takes Helm as Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition

Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, AVSM, NM officially took over the role of Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition (CWP&A) on November 28, 2025, representing a significant leadership change within the Indian Navy's framework for warship development and modernisation.

Having been commissioned into the Navy in 1987, Vice Admiral Sadhu brings extensive experience over his 38-year career. His strong academic background includes a Post Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies. His career has been marked by diverse operational, staff, technical, and shipyard appointments.

His service record includes roles aboard the historic aircraft carrier INS Viraat and frontline frigates such as INS Brahmaputra and INS Dunagiri. Before rising to Flag Rank, he assumed key roles such as Additional General Manager (Production) at Naval Dockyard Mumbai, Commodore Superintendent at Naval Ship Repair Yard Karwar, and Principal Director Marine Engineering at Naval Headquarters.

Vice Admiral Sadhu's expertise extends to the acquisition and modernisation of INS Vikramaditya, where he was pivotal as Senior Naval Engineer Overseer at the Warship Overseeing Team in Severodvinsk, Russia, and as Director and Principal Director of Aircraft Carrier Projects at Naval Headquarters.

In his Flag Rank roles, he has held senior technical and design positions, including Additional Director General at the Warship Design Bureau (Submarine Design Group), Chief Staff Officer (Technical) at both Eastern and Western Naval Commands, and Admiral Superintendent Dockyard at Visakhapatnam. Uniquely, he is among the few officers to have led major dockyards on both Indian coasts.

Prior to his current appointment, he served as Programme Director of the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Programme, managing critical aspects 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 a distinguished 38-year service during which eight warships were added to the Indian Navy's fleet.

His appointment is anticipated to boost the Navy's indigenisation efforts, enhance warship production, and support India's maritime capability through ongoing acquisition programs.