Rear Admiral Vidhyadhar Harke has taken over as the 27th Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST), marking a significant addition to the Indian Navy’s training leadership. An accomplished and highly decorated officer, he brings with him extensive operational expertise and a distinguished service record.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Rear Admiral Harke is also a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington, and the Naval War College, Goa. His career includes vast experience at sea, notably serving as the Commissioning Commanding Officer of the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and commanding the amphibious transport dock INS Jalashwa.
Before assuming charge as FOST, he held the key appointment of Chief Staff Officer (Operations) at the Western Naval Command, where he oversaw multiple operational deployments and mission-critical activities across the region.
Rear Admiral Harke is a proud recipient of the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), awarded for distinguished service of a high order.
His appointment is expected to further enhance the Navy’s operational readiness and elevate the quality of sea training across the fleet.
