Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, an expert in communication and electronic warfare, officially took over as the 26th Navy chief on Tuesday, succeeding the retired R Hari Kumar.
He joined the navy on July 1, 1985, after completing his education at Sainik School, Rewa, and National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla.
Before assuming charge of the service, he served as the vice chief of naval staff.
After assuming command, Tripathi emphasized the importance of maintaining the Navy’s combat readiness to address both present and emerging challenges in the maritime domain. He highlighted the need for operational preparedness to deter adversaries during peace and to ensure victory in naval conflicts when required, making it his primary objective.
With a career that has lasted almost 39 years, Admiral Tripathi, a specialist in communication and electronic warfare, has held various distinguished positions. Before becoming the Vice Chief of Navy, he led as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. Admiral Tripathi has also been in command of Indian Naval Ships Vinash, Kirch, and Trishul.
Additionally, he has held a number of significant staff and operational positions, including principal director of naval plans, director of naval operations, fleet operations officer of the Western Fleet, and director of network-centric operations. He commanded the eastern fleet as flag officer while serving as a rear admiral.
He was also the Commandant of the esteemed Ezhimala Indian Naval Academy. Admiral Tripathi, a graduate of the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, has also studied at the US Naval Command College, Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, and the Naval Higher Command Course in Karanja. He has been awarded the Nau Sena Medal (NM) and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM).
