Padma Shri Avinash Chander took over as Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri (SA to RM), Secretary Defence Research & Development and Director General DRDO (Defence R&D Organization) in a brief ceremony recently. Appointed for a period of three years, he expressed determination to enhance the level selfreliance in defence sector. “We are looking forward to further growth in indigenous capabilities and achieve a goal of 75% self-reliance. Today the ambience is right, with the maturity of Indian industry and our own R&D capabilities”.
The eminent missile scientist who envisioned and evolved the strategies for long range missiles and led the design and development of AGNI series of Missile Systems, further said, “We have taken major programs in multiple areas. Our focus is on performance and timely deliveries of critical programmes like LCA, artillery guns and surface to air missiles systems. Simultaneously, we want to make sure that DRDO becomes a leading technology agency in the world. While we set our eyes on this process, we need to involve with the academia in a very close
interaction to create frontline centers of excellence in R&D”. Speaking on the importance of involving Indian industry in enhancing selfreliance in defence sector, he said, “DRDO is committed to harness industry capability and create right environment for involving Indian industry in major programmes. We want industry to develop R&D growth, so that DRDO can focus on higher and higher technologies and support industry in realizing requirements of our armed forces”. He was congratulated by Dr Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Padma Bhushan, under
whose leadership, DRDO made long strides and delivered products that have immensely contributed to the strength of India’s defence forces. Dr Saraswat expressed confidence that under the leadership of Dr Avinash Chander, DRDO will scale new heights.
