G. Satheesh Reddy appointed as new DRDO chairman

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Saturday appointed renowned scientist, Dr G Satheesh Reddy, as Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Secretary in Department of Defence Research & Development (DDR&D).

The top most post of the DRDO was lying vacant since May when the then chief Dr. S Christopher stepped down. Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra was then given additional charge of the organisation.

“The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Scientific Adviser to Raksha Mantri to the post of Secretary, Department of Defence Research & Development (DDR&D) and Chairman, Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) for a period of two years with effect from the date of assumption of charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier,” reads a government order issued on Saturday.


Reddy, who is known for his R&D in missile systems and contribution in aerospace technologies, is currently employed as the Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Reddy led the conceptualization, design and development of inertial sensors, navigation schemes, algorithms systems, calibration methodologies, sensor models, simulation along with development of satellite navigation receivers and hybrid navigation systems. Advanced avionics systems of strategic programmes have been produced and successfully flight tested under him, according to the DRDO.

He had graduated in Electronics and Communication Engineering from JNTU, Anantapur and received his MS Doctorate from JNTU, Hyderabad. He is a globally renowned Navigation Scientist. He holds the distinction of being inducted as Fellow of Royal Institute of Navigation, London (FRIN), Royal Aeronautical Society, UK and has been awarded the Full Member Diploma as a Foreign Member of the Academy of Navigation & Motion Control, Russia.