Avinash Chandra takes over from Saraswat

Posted by-Neelam Mathews

June 1, 2013

Press Release

Dr Avinash Chander has been appointed as the new Scientific Advisor to Defense Minister, Secretary Dept of Defense RndD and DG DRDO. “I feel honoured to take up this new responsibility. Dr Saraswat  has set DRDO on a good course, I have to continue and take it to the next level” he said. 

Chander, is an eminent Missile Scientist and the Chief Architect of the Long Range Ballistic Missile System AGNI. He Envisioned and evolved the Strategies for Long Range Missiles and led the design and development of AGNI series of Missile Systems – AGNI A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5 providing cutting edge, decisive Strategic Weapon systems to the Armed Forces, leading to the development of the ‘5000+ Km range AGNI 5 Strategic Weapon System’ propelling India to join the elite club of five advanced nations. Development of Agni Range of missiles in highly restrictive International Control Regimes was possible only out of his technology forecast, perspective planning and relentless efforts. He created the infrastructure, industry base, production lines, and integration facilities to produce different classes of AGNI Missile Systems. Today, the AGNI A1, A2, A3 Missiles occupy the pride of place in the inventories of the Indian Armed Forces. 

His research in the Innovative Energy Management Guidance Scheme has enabled utilization of Solid Propulsion, the main thrust and the backbone of Long Range Missile System. Under his leadership, DRDO carried out extensive Research and indigenously developed the critical technologies such as Composite Rocket Motors, Re-entry Carbon Composite Heat Shield, Advanced High Accuracy Navigation Systems, Flex Nozzle Control System, High-end Real-time computing techniques. His long term expertise has been providing the necessary thrust for the Programs of National importance such as Underwater Missiles, BrahMos Cruise Missiles, Nag, Air Defense systems etc. He laid the Technology Roadmap for Missile Complex Laboratories and led the RnD in the advanced Navigation Systems, Onboard Computers, Servo Valves and Seekers.