Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Capabilities
Timeline
Generic

Rohit Pajhal

New Delhi

Summary

Experienced Operations and Technology Management professional with over 20 years of expertise in communications, networking, satellite operations, policy formulation, Defence procurement, Project Management and strategic planning. Proven track record in managing large-scale technology projects, developing and executing operational strategies, and leading cross-functional teams within Defence and technology sectors. Demonstrated leadership in technology management, strategic planning, identifying opportunities, and driving innovative solutions to enhance organizational growth and success. Comes with attributes of inherent discipline, stability and Technical prowess of 24 years of Indian Air Force experience.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director Network Operations

Indian Air Force
07.2022 - Current
  • Directed and oversaw operations of the 4G/5G Mobile Network Operations Center (NOC) with team of over 50 trained personnel.
  • Led the successful upgrade of India’s largest captive mobile network from 3G to 5G NSA with more than 500 towers PAN India, significantly improving (up to 50%) network efficiency.
  • Managed and executed IDEX, Make-1 & Make-2 projects (from 01Cr to 500Cr) focused on space applications to facilitate start-ups and Govt’s Make in India initiative.
  • Operated critical components of the Air Force Network, including fibre optics, satellite communication (Satcom), and mobile operations (1 Lakh plus handsets), supporting real-time data transfer and information fusion of more than thousands of data points during recent operations.

Senior Project Manager

Indian Air Force
06.2018 - 07.2022
  • Trained future Air Force and Navy officers (more than 800 officers) to effectively adopt critical and niche technologies relevant to modern and future warfare scenarios.
  • Developed and implemented a B.Tech training program for future Air Force and Navy officers at the National Defence Academy, demonstrating strong skills in program development, strategic planning, and project execution across multiple domains.
  • Developed project labs (10 Labs) including procurement and obtaining AICTE approvals.

Joint Director Space Operations

Air HQ
07.2013 - 06.2018
  • Conceptualized and executed space projects (Satellite Design, Ground Terminals and its Networking) involving strategic users, ISRO, and international agencies.
  • Developed long-term strategic plans (15 years perspective Plan) and designed advanced, future-oriented technologies.
  • Managed Large Defence projects (upto 2500Cr) in collaboration with Indian and overseas vendors and Govt. agencies. Prepared Qualitative Requirements (QRs), RFI, RFP and contracts as per Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP).
  • Led the development of S-Band Satcom Terminals for strategic users in collaboration with DRDO lab (DEAL, Dehradun).
  • Drove the development of IRNSS (NAVIC) receivers for Air Force, Army & Navy with ISRO, BEL and industry experts.
  • Designed and proposed scalable Mobile Adhoc Airborne Networks using high altitude platforms with deployable payloads.

Communications & Networking Head

Indian Air Force
06.2007 - 06.2011
  • Deployed fiber-based MPLS networks across western and central zones, including satellite communication (Satcom) networks, for the organization.
  • Managed personnel (Team of 70-100 personnel), materials, and resources efficiently to plan and execute a major communication network transformation project for the Indian Air Force.

Senior Technical Officer

Indian Air Force
01.2002 - 05.2007
  • Managed communication network operations for the entire North Zone (approx 5000 users) of Air Force, utilizing diverse communication modes including tropo-scatter, satellite communication (Satcom), and line-of-sight (LOS) systems.
  • Planned and executed spectrum management and transitioned communication infrastructure from traditional systems to fibre-based MPLS networks.

Education

Ex MBA - Operations Management

Dept of Management Sciences, Pune Univ (PUMBA)
Pune
06-2021

M.Tech - Sig Processing, Communications & Networking

IIT Kanpur
Kanpur
07-2013

B.Tech - Electronics & Commn

Govt College of Engg & Tech, Jammu
Jammu
06-2001

Skills

  • Communications and Network Operations
  • Product Development
  • Policy Formulation
  • Governance & Compliances
  • Operations Management
  • Supply Chain Management
  • IT and Network Security
  • Project Management
  • Government Affairs
  • Defence Procurement
  • Strategic Planning
  • Contract Management

Certification

  • Certificate on Space Technology by IIST (ISRO)
  • Certificate on Advance 4G/5G training by Ericsson
  • Certificate on Artificial Intelligence by CDAC
  • Certificate on General Data Protection Regulations by TCIL & Buffercode
  • Certificate on Geospatial Technology by Taksashila University
  • PMP by PMI (Pursuing)

Capabilities

  • Operational Leadership: Provided strategic direction and optimized professional development through strategic planning, long-term vision, and process improvements to increase productivity and operational efficiency. Developed long-term strategic plans for space applications, enhancing program effectiveness and organizational growth.
  • Product Development: Envisioned, planned, and executed product development in the specialized field of satellite navigation (Sat-Nav) receivers for defence applications in India. Developed S-Band satcom terminals (R&D product) for both static and mobile applications with DRDO (DEAL, Dehradun) for strategic users. Conceptualized satellite designs to meet specific defence requirements and successfully completed multimillion-dollar projects, delivering significant value to the organization.
  • Project Management: Managed Large (1000Cr & 2500Cr) strategic projects in space technology, collaborating with government agencies, ISRO, and international partners. Successfully designed a communication satellite tailored for strategic national users, demonstrating advanced project leadership and technical expertise. Completed technically challenged project of upgrading India’s largest captive 3G network to 5G NSA network.
  • Vision and Foresight: Proposed the concept of a Mobile Adhoc Airborne Network using High Altitude Platforms with deployable payloads for communication and remote sensing at IIT Kanpur (2012-2013). This concept aligns with current technologies used by Starlink and OneWeb for global internet coverage. Drafted the Defence Space Plan and proposed multiple space policies to Defence Headquarters and the Government of India.
  • Technology Transition: Designed, managed, and led the transition from analog technologies to MPLS-based networks, incorporating fiber optics, satellite communication (Satcom), and mobile communication technologies including 3G, 4G, and 5G. Oversaw the implementation of advanced networking infrastructure to enhance communication capabilities.

Timeline

Director Network Operations

Indian Air Force
07.2022 - Current

Senior Project Manager

Indian Air Force
06.2018 - 07.2022

Joint Director Space Operations

Air HQ
07.2013 - 06.2018

Communications & Networking Head

Indian Air Force
06.2007 - 06.2011

Senior Technical Officer

Indian Air Force
01.2002 - 05.2007

Ex MBA - Operations Management

Dept of Management Sciences, Pune Univ (PUMBA)

M.Tech - Sig Processing, Communications & Networking

IIT Kanpur

B.Tech - Electronics & Commn

Govt College of Engg & Tech, Jammu
Rohit Pajhal