Lt. General D. S. Rana Appointed as India's Chief of Strategic Forces Command

Lt. General D. S. Rana has been appointed as the new Chief of India’s Strategic Forces Command (SFC). The command is responsible for managing the country’s nuclear weapons and delivery systems, and his appointment adds strength to India’s defense leadership.

Lt. General Rana was commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in December 1987. During his career, he has commanded an Infantry Brigade, an Infantry Division in the eastern region, and later the Gajraj Corps along the Line of Actual Control. He has also worked in key staff roles such as Deputy Director General Staff Duties, Brigadier Military Intelligence (East), Provost Marshal, and Director General Staff Duties at Army Headquarters.

He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, the Defence Services Staff College, and the National Defence College. He has also studied at the Centre for National Defence Studies in Spain and the National Defense University in the United States. Lt. General Rana holds a PhD on China’s defense modernization. He has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card.

The Strategic Forces Command, formed in 2003, is a tri-service command consisting of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Its main responsibility is to look after India’s nuclear arsenal, ensure their safety, and maintain readiness. The SFC works under the directions of the Nuclear Command Authority, which has the power to authorize the use of nuclear weapons.

With Lt. General Rana taking over, the Strategic Forces Command continues its role in ensuring India’s credible minimum deterrence and strengthening the country’s nuclear security framework.