Ankathi Raju appointed head of DRDL Hyderabad

Distinguished scientist Ankathi Raju has been appointed Director of the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad. With over three decades of experience in missile propulsion systems, Raju has played a pivotal role in several key defence projects, including Prithvi, Agni, and Mission Shakti.

Hyderabad: Distinguished Scientist Ankathi Raju has been appointed as Director, Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad and assumed charge as Director of the Indian missile development laboratory.

Raju received a BE in Mechanical Engineering from Osmania University College of Engineering, Hyderabad and M.Tech. in Aeronautical Engineering (Propulsion) from IIT Bombay.

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Over the last three decades, Raju significantly contributed to successful demonstration of solid fuel ducted ramjet propulsion system, design & development of liquid propulsion systems for missiles include Prithvi, Agni, PAD, PDV, Mission Shakti (ASAT), reaction control systems, interceptors of Air Defence and design and development of Axial flow compressors, a press release said.

As the Director of Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) laboratory, he led the design and development of Enhanced Rocket System, Guided Pinaka, and Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System, it said. Raju is the recipient of DRDO Agni Excellence Award for Self-Reliance and Best Scientist Award from Government of Telangana.