Rear Admiral Vidhyadhar Harke has assumed charge as the Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area (FOMA), succeeding Rear Admiral Shantanu Jha during a Change of Guard ceremony held on 31 July 2026. The appointment marks a significant leadership transition within one of the Indian Navy’s key operational and administrative establishments on the western seaboard.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington, and the Indian Naval War College (INWC), Goa, Rear Admiral Harke brings with him extensive operational experience accumulated over a distinguished naval career spanning a wide range of command, staff and training appointments.
Throughout his career, Rear Admiral Harke has held several important afloat and shore assignments. He has commanded the amphibious warfare ship INS Jalashwa, the Indian Navy’s Landing Platform Dock (LPD), as well as the country’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. His command of these strategically important warships reflects his extensive experience in complex maritime operations, force projection and carrier-based naval capabilities.
Prior to taking over as Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area, Rear Admiral Harke served as the Chief Staff Officer (Operations) at the Western Naval Command (WNC), Mumbai, where he played a key role in overseeing operational planning, maritime security and fleet readiness. He also served as the Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) at the Southern Naval Command (SNC), Kochi, responsible for enhancing operational training standards and ensuring combat preparedness across the Indian Navy.
As Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area, Rear Admiral Harke will oversee naval establishments, logistics infrastructure, coastal security coordination and administrative support for the Indian Navy’s operations in Maharashtra. The Maharashtra Naval Area plays a vital role in supporting the operational commitments of the Western Naval Command while safeguarding key naval infrastructure along India’s western coastline.
The change of command reflects the Indian Navy’s continued emphasis on experienced operational leadership to strengthen maritime security, operational readiness and administrative efficiency. With his extensive command experience, strategic expertise and operational background, Rear Admiral Vidhyadhar Harke is expected to further enhance the effectiveness of the Maharashtra Naval Area while contributing to the Indian Navy’s mission of safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.
