Rear Admiral Biplab Hota assumed charge as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air) at Naval Headquarters on January 20, 2026.
A qualified Test Pilot, Rear Admiral Hota brings with him a distinguished career spanning over 32 years, marked by extensive operational, command, and staff experience in India and abroad. He has flown 24 different types of aircraft and was part of the core team that oversaw the induction of the MiG-29K fighter aircraft into the Indian Navy.
Notably, he is the only naval fighter pilot to have been fully operational on three aircraft carriers, a rare distinction that underlines his deep expertise in carrier-borne aviation. His sea service includes assignments onboard multiple Indian Naval Ships, and he has commanded frontline platforms and aviation units, including INS Savitri, INS Teg, INAS 303, and Naval Air Station Hansa.
In addition to his command tenures, Rear Admiral Hota has held several important staff appointments, including Commodore (Air Traffic Control) at Headquarters Naval Aviation and Commodore (Aviation) at Headquarters Western Naval Command.
Promoted to Flag Rank on July 1, 2024, he was appointed Chief of Staff at Headquarters Andaman and Nicobar Command (HQ ANC) prior to assuming his present role.
Rear Admiral Biplab Hota is a recipient of the Vishisht Seva Medal, in recognition of his distinguished service to the nation. His appointment as ACNS (Air) is expected to further strengthen the Indian Navy’s naval aviation capabilities amid evolving maritime and aerospace challenges.
