Future of Indian SSBN strategic submarine fleet : Exclusive interview of Cmde Arun Kumar.

Cmde Arun Kumar graduated from the National Defence Academy in Dec 1971 and was commissioned in the rank of Sub Lt on 01 Jul 1973. He joined the Submarine Arm in May 1975 and served for 28 years in the arm eventually swallowing the anchor as a Cmde in May 2004. In the submarine arm, the officer has held all major appointments. He commanded two Kilo-class boats INS Sindhuraj, and INS Sindhughosh. He also held command of the submarine base INS Virbahu, Submarine School, INS Satavahana and as COMSUB East Commanded the 8th and 11th submarine Squadrons as also the 10th Submarine Squadron as Capt SM. He was selected for nuclear submarine training in Aug 1982 and completed the 30 months (Oct 83-Apr 1986) training in Vladivostok, USSR. He was part of the Commissioning and Decommissioning crew of Chakra as the First Lt and Executive Officer respectively. For his dedicated services of an exceptionally high order, he was decorated twice by the President of India with Nau Sena Medal (NM) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 1991 and 2003 respectively. He played an important part in the growth of the Arm as The Principal Director of Submarine Acquisition in steering the 30 year SM building Plan at NHQ in his last appointment. The officer also commanded the missile destroyer INS Rajput. The Officer also graduated in Basic Submarine Course, Long Navigation and Direction Course, and Submarine COQC standing first in all. He also underwent the Defence Services Staff and Naval Higher Command and Defence Management courses with distinction. #nuclearsubmarine #IndiannuclearSubmarine #SSBNIndia