Ajay Chahar

A proven leader with an eclectic educational background in physics, supply chain management, and defense technology, he brings extensive experience from the Indian Army. Skilled in implementing innovative, tech-driven solutions, including AI-powered systems, he excels in strategic planning and operational efficiency.

Work Experience

Live Project | CAST Software

  • Designing a comprehensive go-to-market strategy for APJ region, focusing on System Integrators and Advisory firms, identifying growth opportunities and challenges to enhance CAST Software’s market penetration.
  • Analyzing the sales potential within Global and Regional System Integrators, formulating targeted approaches for CAST Software to support large-scale application development and modernization projects.
  • Developing sales coverage structure for Asia Pacific and Japan, including investment analysis and potential sales strategies for Tier 1 and Tier 2 system integrators, as well as Big 4 advisory firms.

 

Senior Director/Squadron Commander | Indian Army  | Leh & Ladakh

  • Directed the operational readiness of 45 tanks and led a 500 member cross-functional team at 17,500 ft, leveraging data-driven strategies to streamline maintenance protocols and optimize logistics, ensuring flawless execution in high-stakes scenarios.
  • Led design implementation, testing, and operational evaluation of the TATA Kestrel (armored vehicle) and UAV systems, ensuring successful deployment in high-altitude areas, optimizing performance and reliability.
  • Developed intelligence and threat models to plan precise deployments, improving mission success through targeted, data-driven coordination across deployed outfits in the area.
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive technical and grooming curriculum for newly inducted Agniveers, expediting their assimilation into Regimental standards and ethos, and enhancing unit readiness.
  • Planned and conducted strategic training and field training with live ammunition exercises for 45 tank crews, focusing on talent development and operational readiness, managing equipment valued at ₹90 Crores.

 

Instructor and Technical Officer | Armoured Corps Center & School, Indian Army | Maharashtra 

  • Revamped and implemented the electronic warfare and communications curriculum of Armoured Corps, resulting in a 43% improvement in employability across field units and earning the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Medal for strategic operational impact.
  • Directed international military training for personnel from Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Nepal, advancing talent development and collaboration; organized key diplomatic engagements to strengthen global military partnerships.
  • Led system validation, prototype testing, and field evaluations of communication equipment and AI-driven Tactical Management Systems, ensuring seamless integration into the Indian Army for enhanced operational efficiency.
  • Spearheaded the development and deployment of an e-office solution, automating workflows, digitizing processes, and generating ₹80 Lakhs in annual savings through enhanced operational efficiency.
  • Developed and delivered advanced training programs on military communications and electronic warfare for over 150 Officers and 475 enlisted personnel, enhancing their proficiency in signal intelligence, cyber-electromagnetic activities, and communication protocols.

 

Executive Officer to the Commandant | Indian Army | Punjab

  • Designed, coded, and implemented a smokeless pistol range, enabling training without actual ammunition and mitigating 9 mm shortages; recognized with Chief of Army Staff’s Certificate of Merit, with annual savings of ₹45 Lakhs per regiment across the Indian Army.
  • Strategically led the Regiment's administration and training; led a 5-person team overseeing documentation, disciplinary matters, and service records for over 500 personnel, focusing on talent development and career progression.
  • Formulated cybersecurity policies and SOPs to identify and counter cyber warfare threats, integrating advanced cyber hygiene protocols to secure classified information against unauthorized access.
  • Established a training cell and identified high-potential personnel for advanced military courses, leading the Regiment to win the Course Trophy among 67 Armoured Regiments.

 

Squadron 2nd-in-Command | Indian Army | Jammu

  • Led successful counter insurgency/counter terrorism foot patrols in local area to accomplish the Regiment's strategic mission. Awarded the
  • Operation Rakshak medal for outstanding service.
    Improved operational efficiency by 50% by developing training, operation and maintenance guidelines for ₹30 Crores defence systems.
  • Awarded the Field Service Medal for long and outstanding service in difficult terrains of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Developed, organized and implemented training schedule for 15 tanks and 108 personnel.
  • Carried out rescue and relief operations with a cross-functional team in the aftermath of devastating floods at Jammu & Kashmir region in 2014.
Accomplishments
  • Infosys Case Competition: Achieved semifinalist position in a case competition, ranking within the top 300 of 11,428 teams.
  • Entry Scholarship: Awarded the entry scholarship at IIM Ahmedabad for a distinguished profile and career.
  • Chief of Army Staff Commendation Medal: Awarded for assessing, restructuring and implementing a revamped training curriculum and methodology for personnel of Armoured Corps rooted in a holistic approach to training and assessment of students. Employability of individuals having undergone the course improved by over 43% based on feedback received from operational outfits.
  • Award of Merit by Chief of Army Staff: Awarded for designing and implementation of a smokeless pistol range that addressed the shortage of 9 mm ammunition shortages and allowed training of personnel using their personal weapons without expending actual ammunition. An annual saving of ₹45 Lakhs per Regiment.
  • Field Service Medal: Awarded for long and outstanding service in difficult terrains of Jammu and Kashmir. 
  • Member ALFALFA Research Team: Chosen to be a member of a 6 person team to carry out intergalactic survey research at Arecibo Observatory, Puerto Rico.
  • Benton Scholar: Recognized for exceptional intellectual creativity, completing specialized courses, conducting funded research, and contributing to a vibrant academic community at Colgate University.
Education

PG Diploma, Global Supply Chain and Logistics Management, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi
PG Diploma, Radio Communications, Savitribai Phule Pune University
PG Diploma, Automotive Technology, Savitribai Phule Pune University
PG Diploma, Tank Technology, Savitribai Phule Pune University
PG Diploma, Defence Management and Strategic Studies, University of Madras, Chennai
BSc in Physics, Colgate University, New York

Certificates
  • AWS Cloud Technology Consultant - AWS
  • Certified Scrum Product Owner(CSPO) - Scrum Alliance
  • AI Product Manager - IBM
  • Generative AI for Data Analysts - IBM
  • Python for Data Science - AI & Development, IBM
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt - KPMG
  • Market Concepts - BLOOMBERG
  • Google Analytics - Google Digital Academy
  • Data Literacy - DATACAMP
  • AI Fundamentals - DATACAMP
     
Co/Extra-curricular
  • Managed the self-hosting of multiple software applications, overseeing installations, configurations, and updates on Linux-based servers using Docker and containerization technologies. Developed expertise in server administration, network security, and performance tuning through hands-on experience with tools like Docker Compose and Kubernetes.
  • Led community engagement in Operation Sadbhavna in Tangste region by adopting three local villages, upgrading the women’s center, and mentoring children in their studies and Army preparation, fostering stronger community relations and contributing to local development.
  • Captain of the Army Divisional (State Level) basketball team.

Quick Look

  • Work Experience: 10 Years
  • Previous Roles

    Indian Army

  • Function : General Management
    Operations/Logistics/Supply Chain
    Project/Program Management
    Strategy
  • Industry/Sector: Defence
Work Experience

Live Project | CAST Software

  • Designing a comprehensive go-to-market strategy for APJ region, focusing on System Integrators and Advisory firms, identifying growth opportunities and challenges to enhance CAST Software’s market penetration.
  • Analyzing the sales potential within Global and Regional System Integrators, formulating targeted approaches for CAST Software to support large-scale application development and modernization projects.
  • Developing sales coverage structure for Asia Pacific and Japan, including investment analysis and potential sales strategies for Tier 1 and Tier 2 system integrators, as well as Big 4 advisory firms.

 

Senior Director/Squadron Commander | Indian Army  | Leh & Ladakh

  • Directed the operational readiness of 45 tanks and led a 500 member cross-functional team at 17,500 ft, leveraging data-driven strategies to streamline maintenance protocols and optimize logistics, ensuring flawless execution in high-stakes scenarios.
  • Led design implementation, testing, and operational evaluation of the TATA Kestrel (armored vehicle) and UAV systems, ensuring successful deployment in high-altitude areas, optimizing performance and reliability.
  • Developed intelligence and threat models to plan precise deployments, improving mission success through targeted, data-driven coordination across deployed outfits in the area.
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive technical and grooming curriculum for newly inducted Agniveers, expediting their assimilation into Regimental standards and ethos, and enhancing unit readiness.
  • Planned and conducted strategic training and field training with live ammunition exercises for 45 tank crews, focusing on talent development and operational readiness, managing equipment valued at ₹90 Crores.

 

Instructor and Technical Officer | Armoured Corps Center & School, Indian Army | Maharashtra 

  • Revamped and implemented the electronic warfare and communications curriculum of Armoured Corps, resulting in a 43% improvement in employability across field units and earning the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Medal for strategic operational impact.
  • Directed international military training for personnel from Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Nepal, advancing talent development and collaboration; organized key diplomatic engagements to strengthen global military partnerships.
  • Led system validation, prototype testing, and field evaluations of communication equipment and AI-driven Tactical Management Systems, ensuring seamless integration into the Indian Army for enhanced operational efficiency.
  • Spearheaded the development and deployment of an e-office solution, automating workflows, digitizing processes, and generating ₹80 Lakhs in annual savings through enhanced operational efficiency.
  • Developed and delivered advanced training programs on military communications and electronic warfare for over 150 Officers and 475 enlisted personnel, enhancing their proficiency in signal intelligence, cyber-electromagnetic activities, and communication protocols.

 

Executive Officer to the Commandant | Indian Army | Punjab

  • Designed, coded, and implemented a smokeless pistol range, enabling training without actual ammunition and mitigating 9 mm shortages; recognized with Chief of Army Staff’s Certificate of Merit, with annual savings of ₹45 Lakhs per regiment across the Indian Army.
  • Strategically led the Regiment's administration and training; led a 5-person team overseeing documentation, disciplinary matters, and service records for over 500 personnel, focusing on talent development and career progression.
  • Formulated cybersecurity policies and SOPs to identify and counter cyber warfare threats, integrating advanced cyber hygiene protocols to secure classified information against unauthorized access.
  • Established a training cell and identified high-potential personnel for advanced military courses, leading the Regiment to win the Course Trophy among 67 Armoured Regiments.

 

Squadron 2nd-in-Command | Indian Army | Jammu

  • Led successful counter insurgency/counter terrorism foot patrols in local area to accomplish the Regiment's strategic mission. Awarded the
  • Operation Rakshak medal for outstanding service.
    Improved operational efficiency by 50% by developing training, operation and maintenance guidelines for ₹30 Crores defence systems.
  • Awarded the Field Service Medal for long and outstanding service in difficult terrains of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Developed, organized and implemented training schedule for 15 tanks and 108 personnel.
  • Carried out rescue and relief operations with a cross-functional team in the aftermath of devastating floods at Jammu & Kashmir region in 2014.
Accomplishments
  • Infosys Case Competition: Achieved semifinalist position in a case competition, ranking within the top 300 of 11,428 teams.
  • Entry Scholarship: Awarded the entry scholarship at IIM Ahmedabad for a distinguished profile and career.
  • Chief of Army Staff Commendation Medal: Awarded for assessing, restructuring and implementing a revamped training curriculum and methodology for personnel of Armoured Corps rooted in a holistic approach to training and assessment of students. Employability of individuals having undergone the course improved by over 43% based on feedback received from operational outfits.
  • Award of Merit by Chief of Army Staff: Awarded for designing and implementation of a smokeless pistol range that addressed the shortage of 9 mm ammunition shortages and allowed training of personnel using their personal weapons without expending actual ammunition. An annual saving of ₹45 Lakhs per Regiment.
  • Field Service Medal: Awarded for long and outstanding service in difficult terrains of Jammu and Kashmir. 
  • Member ALFALFA Research Team: Chosen to be a member of a 6 person team to carry out intergalactic survey research at Arecibo Observatory, Puerto Rico.
  • Benton Scholar: Recognized for exceptional intellectual creativity, completing specialized courses, conducting funded research, and contributing to a vibrant academic community at Colgate University.
Education

PG Diploma, Global Supply Chain and Logistics Management, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi
PG Diploma, Radio Communications, Savitribai Phule Pune University
PG Diploma, Automotive Technology, Savitribai Phule Pune University
PG Diploma, Tank Technology, Savitribai Phule Pune University
PG Diploma, Defence Management and Strategic Studies, University of Madras, Chennai
BSc in Physics, Colgate University, New York

Certificates
  • AWS Cloud Technology Consultant - AWS
  • Certified Scrum Product Owner(CSPO) - Scrum Alliance
  • AI Product Manager - IBM
  • Generative AI for Data Analysts - IBM
  • Python for Data Science - AI & Development, IBM
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt - KPMG
  • Market Concepts - BLOOMBERG
  • Google Analytics - Google Digital Academy
  • Data Literacy - DATACAMP
  • AI Fundamentals - DATACAMP
     
Co/Extra-curricular
  • Managed the self-hosting of multiple software applications, overseeing installations, configurations, and updates on Linux-based servers using Docker and containerization technologies. Developed expertise in server administration, network security, and performance tuning through hands-on experience with tools like Docker Compose and Kubernetes.
  • Led community engagement in Operation Sadbhavna in Tangste region by adopting three local villages, upgrading the women’s center, and mentoring children in their studies and Army preparation, fostering stronger community relations and contributing to local development.
  • Captain of the Army Divisional (State Level) basketball team.