G. Satheesh Reddy

Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), spearheads indigenous development of defence systems and technologies. As the top defence scientist in the country, Dr Reddy guides the development of major programs on missiles and strategic systems, fighter aircraft and unmanned aerial defence systems, underwater systems, radar systems, strategic materials, armaments, and futuristic technologies. A visionary and institution builder, his technology leadership has deeply impacted the development of ‘best in class’ systems for the Indian Armed Forces.
Acclaimed as one of the leading aerospace scientists of the nation, Dr Reddy is also the Director General of the Aeronautical Development Agency that has developed the 4th Generation Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, which is being inducted into active service.
Career.
He graduated in Electronics and Communication Engineering from JNTU, Anantapur and received his M.S & Ph.D from JNTU Hyderabad. He joined Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad in the year 1986 and subsequently joined Research Centre Imarat (RCI), the brain child of Dr Kalam, after its formation. From a young navigation scientist and System Manager he rose steadily and after his multiple significant appointments and decades of sustained contributions to Defence R&D, was elevated as Distinguished Scientist in Sep 2014 and was appointed as Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister in May 2015 and Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO in Aug 2018.
Contributions.
Many navigation technologies and systems which form the core of defence assets have been designed and developed by Dr Satheesh Reddy, enabling self-reliance in these critical areas. Working on the nitty gritty of physics principles, electronic designs and system engineering from a very young age, Dr Reddy facilitated the realization many major defence systems. His thorough understanding of design aspects helped create quick configurations of a multitude of systems in short periods of time.
With his vast experience in navigation and avionics design for missile systems like Agni, Prithvi, Akash and aerospace applications like G3INS for ALH, INS for ships and submarine application, he directed multiple development projects for advanced defence technologies.
As Director, RCI, he led the development of critical technologies for IIR seekers, RF seekers, integrated avionics modules and many such innovative systems for onboard applications. As Director General of Missiles and Strategic Systems he spearheaded the development of missile systems like BMD, Nag, QRSAM, Rudram, Long Range Guided Bomb etc.
India’s maiden successful test of Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile Mission Shakti was successfully executed under his watch. His tenacious leadership has enabled the development of Air defence systems BVRAM Astra, Akash, MRSAM, LRSAM, QRSAM. The world’s longest-range gun ATAGS, anti-radiation missile, smart air field weapons, smart bombs, and missile assisted torpedo release systems owe their success to Dr Reddy’s vision. Dr Reddy diligently drives innovation and cutting edge research in many areas that include hypersonic and quantum technologies.
Under his leadership, flagship programs on many advanced technologies and systems have been conceptualized and realized. These programs have led to the development and manufacturing of important defence systems within the country. He has focussed on all aspects of defence research, development and production by enabling industry.
Dr Reddy has helped foster an eco-system that encourages free thinking and creativity. The formation of young scientist laboratories working on niche technologies, establishment of new research centres in universities enabling close interaction with academia and fast tracking the transfer of technologies to industry are some of his bold initiatives that have laid the foundation for research and development of robust defence systems. In addition, his mission to cut down the burdens of procedures for scientific pursuits, create new challenges for the scientific community and enable the scientists is bearing fruit. Among his other initiatives are easing of ToT policies, IPR sharing with Indian industry, New Procurement Manual of DRDO, and Innovation Contests.
Dr Reddy also pioneered in quickly diversifying DRDO’s talent to effectively develop required technologies in the ongoing fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Under his guidance, nearly 50 technologies for combating COVID have been developed and about 75 products have been transferred to 100 industries. He demonstrated exemplary courage and leadership during the pandemic and his non-stop work bears testimony to his ‘never-say-die’ spirit, and effectively mirrors the outstanding humanitarian facet of a scientist.
Awards and Recognition.
Dr Reddy’s significant contributions in the field of technology development and promotion of scientific pursuit have resulted in his being conferred with Honorary Degrees of Doctor of Science by many leading Universities in the country. His vast scientific and technological contributions have been acknowledged by leading international institutes in the form of honours and awards. He is the first Indian in over 100 years to be conferred with the prestigious Honorary Fellowship and Silver Medal by the Royal Aeronautical Society, London. The Royal Aeronautical Society recognised contributions of Dr Reddy towards indigenous design, development and deployment of diversified missile systems, aerospace vehicles, guided weapons and avionics technologies in India. 
He has received numerous other awards including American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Missile Systems Award. He is the first scientist outside USA to be awarded in nearly four decades. Other awards conferred on Dr Satheesh Reddy include the Aeronautical Prize, National Systems Gold Medal, National Design Award, IEI-IEEE (USA) Award for Engineering Excellence and the Homi J Bhabha Gold Medal