- Distinguished Scientist Ankathi Raju takes charge of DRDL leadership
- New DRDL Director brings 30 years of missile propulsion expertise
Ankathi Raju, a Distinguished Scientist, has been appointed as the Director of the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad. He formally assumed charge of the post on November 1, 2025. DRDL is a key establishment under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and functions as part of the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex. It leads national efforts in the design, development, and delivery of advanced missile and defence systems.
A mechanical engineer by qualification, Shri Ankathi Raju completed his B.E. from University College of Engineering, Osmania University, Hyderabad, and earned his M.Tech in Aeronautical Engineering Propulsion from IIT Mumbai. His academic background has played a pivotal role in shaping his long career devoted to India’s missile and propulsion technology development.
With over three decades of service, Raju has contributed extensively to the successful demonstration of Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) propulsion systems. His expertise also spans the design and development of liquid propulsion systems for missiles, including Prithvi, Agni, PAD, PDV, Mission Shakti (ASAT), and interceptors of air defence systems. Additionally, he has been involved in key advancements in reaction control systems and axial flow compressors.
Before assuming his new role at DRDL, Shri Ankathi Raju served as Director of the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE). At ARDE, he led major programs such as the Enhanced Rocket System, Guided Pinaka, and the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). His leadership contributed to strategic advancements in India’s artillery and rocket system capabilities.
For his contributions, he has received the DRDO Agni Excellence Award for Self-Reliance and the Best Scientist Award from the Government of Telangana. Ankathi Raju also holds life memberships in the Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI), High Energy Materials Society of India (HEMSI), and Indian Society of Systems for Science & Engineering (ISSE).
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