Major General Naveen Kumar Thapliyal assumed command of the Military Institute of Technology (MILIT), Pune, on June 1, 2026, succeeding Rear Admiral V Ganapathy.
The change of command marks a significant milestone for the premier tri-services institution, which plays a vital role in professional military education, technological advancement and capability development for the Indian Armed Forces.
A highly accomplished officer of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, Maj Gen Thapliyal brings with him extensive operational, technical and staff experience gained over a distinguished military career.
Throughout his service, he has held several key appointments, including Commanding Officer of an EME Battalion, Brigadier Military Secretary at Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army), Major General EME, Central Command, and most recently Chief of Staff, Headquarters 101 Area.
An alumnus of the National Defence College (NDC), College of Defence Management (CDM) and the Military Institute of Technology itself, his appointment represents a homecoming to an institution that played a formative role in his professional development.
Officials noted that Maj Gen Thapliyal’s extensive experience in military technology, logistics, personnel management and operational planning will further strengthen MILIT’s role in preparing officers for the challenges of future warfare.
Under his leadership, the institute is expected to continue its focus on technological excellence, innovation, joint professional military education and the development of future-ready military leaders capable of operating in increasingly technology-driven and multi-domain battlefields.
His assumption of command comes at a time when the Indian Armed Forces are placing greater emphasis on indigenous technology, digital transformation, jointness and emerging military capabilities.
The appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter in MILIT’s continued pursuit of excellence in defence technology education, innovation and tri-services integration.
