Born in Mahimaluru, Atmakur, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, on July 1, 1963, Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy is an eminent Indian aerospace scientist whose visionary leadership and significant contributions have propelled India towards self-reliance in critical defence technologies. His journey from a young engineer to the Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister and former Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is a testament to his dedication and ingenuity.
Dr. Reddy completed his Bachelor’s in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Anantapur, and subsequently earned his M.S. and PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad [1, 2].
His illustrious career began in 1986 at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, and later at the Research Centre Imarat (RCI). At RCI, he played a pivotal role in developing advanced avionics, IR seekers, and integrated avionics modules for various missile systems. He steadily rose through the ranks, becoming a Distinguished Scientist in September 2014 and Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister in May 2015. In August 2018, he was appointed Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, a position he held until 2022 [1, 3].
As Director General of Missiles and Strategic Systems, Dr. Reddy spearheaded the development of India’s formidable missile arsenal, including the Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme, Nag, QRSAM, Rudram, and Long Range Guided Bomb. A crowning achievement under his leadership was the successful testing of India’s first Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile (Mission Shakti), demonstrating the nation’s advanced capabilities in space defence [1, 3]. His work also extended to the development of the ATAGS gun, anti-radiation missiles, smart airfield weapons, smart bombs, and missile-assisted torpedo release systems, significantly enhancing India’s defence preparedness [1]. He is also credited with fostering strong collaborations between DRDO and industry, promoting indigenous design and manufacturing [2].
Currently, Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy serves as the Scientific Adviser to the Raksha Mantri (Minister of Defence, India) and Chairman of the Governing Body of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) [3, 4]. He also took charge as the Advisor for Aerospace and Defense to the Andhra Pradesh government in April 2025, aiming to transform the state into a global hub for defense industries [5]. Additionally, he has joined the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, as a Distinguished Senior Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, where he will guide advanced research in national security [6]. He has also been appointed as a member of the National Security Advisory Council [7].
Dr. Reddy’s exceptional contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards and accolades. He is the first Indian in over a century to be conferred with the Honorary Fellowship and Silver Medal by the Royal Aeronautical Society, London. He is also the first scientist outside the USA in nearly four decades to receive the Missile Systems Award by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) [2, 3]. Other notable awards include the National Design Award (2016), National Aeronautical Prize (2016), National Systems Gold Medal (2015), Homi J Bhabha Memorial Gold Medal (2013), IEI-IEEE (USA) Award for Engineering Excellence, and the Aryabhata Award by the Astronautical Society of India for his lifetime contributions to astronautics [1, 2, 3, 8]. In 2017, he was recognized as a laureate of the Asian Scientist 100 by the Asian Scientist [1].
Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy’s unwavering commitment to advancing India’s defence capabilities and his dedication to fostering scientific research continue to inspire future generations.
Citations:
- G. Satheesh Reddy – Wikipedia
- Dr. G Satheesh Reddy – VBIT
- G. Satheesh Reddy – Wikipedia (Additional Career and Awards)
- Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, Scientific Adviser to Raksha Mantri, Ministry of Defence, GoI, Former Chairman of DRDO Inaugurates Physics Lab at Woxsen
- Dr Satish Reddy takes charge as aerospace, defence advisor – The New Indian Express
- Former DRDO chief Satheesh Reddy joins BITS Pilani Hyderabad – Telangana Today
- G Satheesh Reddy Appointed As National Security Advisory Council Member | NTV Telugu
- Astronautical Society of India Confers Aryabhata Award to Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO, Dr G Satheesh Reddy – PIB
Disclosure: This article has been written and edited with help from Google Gemini.
