G Satheesh Reddy appointed DRDO chief

Renowned aerospace scientist G Satheesh Reddy was on Saturday appointed as the chairman of Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) for a period of two years, according to an official order. Reddy, who is the scientific adviser to the defence minister, was also appointed as the Secretary in the Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) for the same period.

Reddy will succeed S Christopher, who retired in June, 2018.

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Reddy, a graduate in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Andhra Pradesh’s Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), is a renowned navigation scientist. He holds the distinction of being inducted as fellow of Royal Institute of Navigation, London, Royal Aeronautical Society, UK and has been awarded the full member diploma as a Foreign Member of the Academy of Navigation and Motion Control, Russia.

For his distinguished contributions, Reddy received several prestigious international and national awards including the Indian Science Congress Association Homi J Bhabha Memorial Gold Medal, National Aeronautical Prize, National Design Award, National Systems Gold Medal, the first IEI-IEEE (USA) joint award for Engineering Excellence and was conferred with the Silver Medal of Royal Aeronautical Society, London.

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The post of DRDO chief was lying vacant for about the past three months after Christopher completed his term in May 2018. Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra was then given additional charge of the post.

Christopher, who was appointed as Director General of the DRDO for a two-year term in May 2015, was given a one-year extension in May, 2017.

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Established in 1980, the DDR&D advises the government on scientific aspects of military equipment and logistics and the formulation of research, design and development plans for the equipment required by the three services- the Army, Navy and the Air Force.

(With inputs from agencies)