Ankathi Raju has been appointed as the Director of the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) located in Hyderabad. With a career spanning over three decades, Raju has made significant contributions to missile propulsion systems and has been integral to critical defense initiatives such as Prithvi, Agni, and Mission Shakti.
Raju has taken on his new role at the helm of India”s missile development facility after officially assuming charge. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from Osmania University College of Engineering in Hyderabad, along with a Master of Technology in Aeronautical Engineering with a focus on Propulsion from IIT Bombay.
Throughout his extensive career, Raju has been instrumental in the successful development of various propulsion systems, including the solid fuel ducted ramjet propulsion system. His work also encompasses the design and development of liquid propulsion systems for notable missiles, including Prithvi, Agni, PAD, PDV, and Mission Shakti. Additionally, he has contributed to the advancement of reaction control systems and air defense interceptors, as well as the design of axial flow compressors, according to a press release.
Previously, Raju served as the Director of the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), where he spearheaded the design and development of the Enhanced Rocket System, Guided Pinaka, and the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System.
His accomplishments have not gone unrecognized; Raju has received the DRDO Agni Excellence Award for promoting self-reliance in defense projects, as well as the Best Scientist Award from the Government of Telangana.
