Former DRDO Chairman Satheesh Reddy joins BITS Pilani

Former Chairperson of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), G Satheesh Reddy, on Aug 23 joined Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani as a distinguished senior faculty to support its research and innovation efforts predominantly in the domain of national security.

“With a distinguished career in defense technology spanning nearly four decades, Reddy has played a pivotal role in advancing India’s defense capabilities through numerous high-impact projects and innovations during his tenure at DRDO,” said BITS Pilani in a statement.

“Reddy will be at the forefront of research and academic leadership and will focus on guiding advanced research initiatives, in the Center for Research Excellence in National Security in his new role,,” it added.

A fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, London, and recipient of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Missile Systems Award, Reddy after joining BITS said, “After nearly 4 decades at DRDO, continuing my research with an academic institute is natural,”

“BITS Pilani has long been a partner in research initiatives, and the establishment of the Center for Research Excellence in National Security (CRENS) here is particularly a welcome step,” he added.

Reddy will contribute to the Center for Research Excellence in National Security (CRENS) and collaborate with industry, security agencies, and startups to drive innovation.

Notably, he has received awards and appreciation including the Aeronautical Prize, National Systems Gold Medal, National Design Award, IEI-IEEE (USA) Award for Engineering Excellence, and the Homi J Bhabha Gold Medal.

‘Highly responsible positions’

Reddy joined the Defense Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad in 1986 and subsequently joined Research Centre Imarat (RCI) after its formation. He led the development of IR seekers, integrated avionics modules, and other innovative systems as Director at RCI.

Reddy was appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation of India (DRDO) in August 2018. He oversaw the development of missile systems like BMD, Nag, QRSAM, Rudram, Long Range Guided Bomb, etc as Director General of Missiles and Strategic Systems.

Reddy was instrumental in India's first successful test of an Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile (Mission Shakti). Reddy was also involved in the development of the world's longest-range gun ATAGS, anti-radiation missiles, smart airfield weapons, smart bombs, and missile-assisted torpedo release systems.

A native of Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh, Reddy graduated in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Anantapur and received his M.S & PhD from JNTU Hyderabad.