Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar, AVSM, VSM, has assumed charge as the 40th Chief of Materiel of the Indian Navy, succeeding Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh, AVSM, VSM, who superannuated after over 39 years of distinguished service.
An alumnus of the 70th Course of the National Defence Academy, Vice Admiral Sivakumar was commissioned as an Electrical Officer in the Indian Navy on July 1, 1987. A highly qualified officer, he holds 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 is an alumnus of the National Defence College.
Over a remarkable career spanning more than 38 years, the Flag Officer has held several key appointments across Naval Headquarters, Command Headquarters, and both Naval Dockyards on the East and West coasts. He has served aboard frontline warships INS Ranjit, INS Kirpan, and INS Akshay, and commanded the prestigious Electrical Training Base, INS Valsura.
Vice Admiral Sivakumar holds the rare distinction of having led both the Electrical Directorates of Weapons Equipment and Electrical Engineering at Naval Headquarters. His vast experience encompasses a wide range of naval technologies, major projects, and technical administration.
As a Flag Officer, he has served as Additional Director General (Technical) for Project Seabird, Chief Staff Officer (Technical) at Headquarters Western Naval Command, and Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. Prior to assuming his present role, he served as Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition and Director General Naval Projects at Visakhapatnam.
In recognition of his exemplary service, Vice Admiral Sivakumar has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).
Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh, whom he succeeds, was lauded for his visionary leadership in steering the Indian Navy’s technical readiness. Under his command, the Navy maintained peak operational capability during Operation Sindoor, reflecting his strategic foresight and professional excellence.
Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar’s appointment as Chief of Materiel marks the continuation of the Navy’s commitment to technological advancement, indigenisation, and combat preparedness — ensuring that the Indian Navy remains a modern, mission-ready maritime force.
