Divakar Jayant Assumes Charge as Director General of Naval Armament

Shri Divakar Jayant, a distinguished officer of the Indian Naval Armament Service (INAS), officially assumed charge as Director General of Naval Armament (DGONA) at Naval Headquarters, Ministry of Defence, on February 2, 2026. This transition marks a significant leadership change in India’s naval armament sector, as Jayant succeeds Shri P Upadhyay, who superannuated on January 31, 2026. The appointment underscores the continuity and institutional knowledge essential for managing India’s complex naval weaponry and armament infrastructure.

Professional Background and Experience

Shri Divakar Jayant brings an exceptional 33-year career spanning multiple critical roles within India’s naval establishments. Belonging to the 1991 batch of the Indian Naval Armament Service, he joined the Naval Armament Organisation of the Indian Navy on December 28, 1992, beginning a distinguished career dedicated to advancing India’s naval capabilities and readiness.

Throughout his extensive tenure, Jayant has held senior leadership positions across India’s premier naval armament facilities. He has served as Chief General Manager and General Manager/Principal Director at Naval Armament Depots in Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, and Alwaye—three of India’s most strategically important naval armament centers. His leadership has also extended to the Naval Headquarters and Ministry of Defence, where he has contributed to high-level policy formulation and strategic planning.

Educational Excellence and Technical Expertise

An Electrical Engineering graduate from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), Jayant combines academic rigor with practical expertise. His specialization in life-cycle management of torpedoes represents a critical focus area for India’s submarine capabilities and naval deterrence. This specialized knowledge is particularly valuable as India continues to modernize its submarine fleet and advance its underwater warfare capabilities.

Beyond his technical expertise, Jayant possesses comprehensive knowledge of administrative and human resources management, essential competencies for leading a large, complex organization managing critical national assets. His background enables him to address not only technical challenges but also organizational development, personnel management, and strategic human resources planning—crucial for maintaining operational effectiveness in naval armament organizations.

Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Development

A significant dimension of Jayant’s expertise lies in planning explosive infrastructure projects. This specialization underscores his capability to oversee the complex, security-sensitive work of designing, building, and maintaining facilities for handling, storing, and managing naval weapons and explosives. Infrastructure planning in this domain requires exceptional attention to safety, security, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.

Advanced Professional Development

Demonstrating commitment to continuous professional development, Jayant has undergone prestigious advanced training programs. Notably, he completed the APPPA course (Aitchison Polytechnical Post-Professional Advancement) during 2017-18, further enhancing his capabilities in naval armament management and strategic thinking. This advanced training reflects his continuous engagement with evolving best practices and contemporary management approaches.

Significance of the Appointment

The appointment of Jayant as Director General of Naval Armament at this juncture holds strategic importance. India’s navy is undergoing significant modernization, including expansion of submarine capabilities, advancement of surface weapons systems, and integration of cutting-edge technologies. The DGONA position oversees all aspects of naval weapons, armaments, and related infrastructure—making it a critical role in India’s maritime security apparatus.

Jayant’s appointment ensures continuity of institutional knowledge and operational stability during this crucial period of naval modernization. His deep understanding of naval armament systems, combined with 33 years of progressive experience and advanced training, positions him well to lead the organization through contemporary challenges and opportunities.