India’s defense establishment has seen a key leadership change with Shri Divakar Jayant, INAS, taking over as the Director General of Naval Armament (DGONA) in February 2026. Announced by PIB, the appointment is significant for India’s naval preparedness, weapons management, and defenSe infrastructure planning. With over three decades of experience in naval armament and logistics, Jayant’s elevation comes at a time when India is strengthening indigenous defense capabilities and modernising its naval forces.
New Director General of Naval Armament
- Shri Divakar Jayant belongs to the 1991 batch of the Indian Naval Armament Service (INAS).
- He joined the Naval Armament Organization of the Indian Navy on 28 December 1992 and brings 33 years of service experience.
- Over his career, he has held several senior leadership roles, including Chief General Manager and General Manager/Principal Director at Naval Armament Depots in Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, and Alwaye, as well as at NHQ and the Ministry of Defence.
Role of Director General of Naval Armament
- The Director General of Naval Armament is a crucial position within Naval Headquarters, responsible for the management, maintenance, and lifecycle support of naval weapon systems.
- This includes torpedoes, ammunition, explosive infrastructure, and armament depots across the country.
- DGONA plays a vital role in ensuring combat readiness, safety standards, and long-term sustainability of naval armaments.
- The role directly supports India’s maritime security and operational effectiveness of the Indian Navy.
Educational and Technical Expertise
- An Electrical Engineering graduate from IIT Delhi, Shri Divakar Jayant has deep technical expertise in life-cycle management of torpedoes.
- He is also known for excellence in planning and execution of explosive infrastructure projects, which are critical for safe storage and handling of naval weapons.
- In addition, he possesses extensive experience in human resource management and administration, making him a well-rounded leader for the role.
Professional Training and Specialization
- Shri Jayant has undergone the prestigious APPPA (Advanced Professional Programme in Public Administration) during 2017-18, a programme designed to groom senior civil and defense officers for top leadership roles.
- This training enhances strategic thinking, governance capabilities, and policy implementation skills, which are essential for senior positions within the defence establishment.
What Is Indian Naval Armament Service
- The Indian Naval Armament Service (INAS) is a Group ‘A’ service responsible for managing naval armaments, ammunition, and explosive infrastructure, ensuring safety and operational readiness.
- INAS is a completely civilian organisation.
- Headed by the Director General of Naval Armament (DGONA).
- The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is the cadre controlling authority.
Key Summary at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
| Why in News? | New DG of Naval Armament appointed |
| Officer Appointed | Divakar Jayant (INAS) |
| Took Charge | 2 February 2026 |
| Predecessor | P Upadhyay |
| Core Expertise | Torpedoes, explosive infrastructure |
Question
Q. Shri Divakar Jayant has been appointed as:
A. Chief of Naval Staff
B. Director General of Ordnance
C. Director General of Naval Armament
D. Defence Secretary