Hyderabad: Dr M Raghavendra Rao, an Outstanding Scientist, has been appointed as Director of the Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) in Hyderabad. He has formally assumed charge of the DRDO lab, which plays a critical role in India’s missile development efforts.
Veteran missile scientist takes over at ASL
ASL is part of the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex and leads the design, development, and delivery of advanced defence systems. Dr Rao brings decades of experience in missile propulsion and system development to the post.
A graduate in Mechanical Engineering from NIT Bhopal, Dr Rao also holds a Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering from MIT Chennai and a PhD from NIT Warangal. At the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), he played a key role in the Indian Guided Missile Defence Programme (IGMDP) under Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s leadership.
Track record in propulsion and missile systems
As Technology Director for Liquid Propulsion, Dr Rao led projects for Agni missiles, air defence systems, advanced naval platforms, and hypersonic propulsion. His work includes the development of scramjet engines, liquid control systems, and high-performance engines for various defence applications.
Prior to this role, he served as Director of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), overseeing the deployment of systems for both strategic and low-intensity conflict scenarios.
Dr Rao has received multiple DRDO awards for his contributions to both strategic and tactical missile programmes. He also holds key leadership roles in professional bodies, serving as President of the Aeronautical Society of India, Chandigarh chapter, and Chairman of HEMSI in Chandigarh.