Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat (PADMASHREE)

Chief Controller R&D (MSS) &

Program Director AD for development of Air Defense Systems

DRDO

Government of India

 

A distinguished Scientist with over 3 decades proven track record of strong, decisive executive leadership with the Defense Research & Development Organization, India. Distinction of rendering excellent Leadership in the conceptualization, strategy, planning, design, development and productionisation of technologies for all the Missiles and Strategic Systems in India. Credited with developing the first indigenous Surface–to–Surface Missile System PRITHVI for the Indian Armed Forces through concurrent engineering.

 

Respected as an authority on Missile Technologies with expertise in devising strategy and rendering guidance on National Defense Programs. Have secured an illustrious position in the history of Indian Defense by leading initiatives towards implementing a challenging, futuristic Air Defense Program that encompasses the development of complex Anti Ballistic Missile Systems, Radars, C4 I Systems and the integration of Battle Management Resources. Spearheaded a major technology breakthrough in missile defense, by demonstrating the capabilities of indigenously developed anti-missile shield for the interception of Ballistic Missiles. The most difficult task of intercepting a ballistic missile in exo-atmosphere has been demonstrated to the world with stupendous success of the maiden flight in 2006. Achieved the same by encouraging collective action for the spread of knowledge and technology, available within the country. Have always worked on the principle of providing greater self-reliance technology for the country while instilling team spirit.

 

Developed and laid the Technology Roadmap for development of future requirements of missiles for the Indian Armed Forces. Have encouraged reliance on National Resources and emphasized on indigenous Research & Development; while at the same time identifying & finalizing foreign collaboration for development of technology. Pivotal in inspiring Scientists and Personnel not only across DRDO but also in Academic / Research Institutions and Public / Private Sector Agencies through demonstrating creative thinking, dedication, emphasis on team spirit and imaginative leadership. Credited with establishing the Centre for Advanced Research in Combustion and Aerospace Park at Hyderabad, India.

 

Succeeded in building one of the most distinguished groups of scientists in the Propulsion field by virtue of the application of techno-managerial genius. Have published several Research Publications in leading National / International Journals and delivered Keynote Addresses in many prestigious institutions across the career span.

Held the posts like project Director PRITHVI, DHANUSH and Currently designated as Chief Controller R&D (MSS) and Program Director AD  for development of Air Defense Systems.

Organized the number of Conferences, Seminars, Exhibitions & Meets at national and international level as the Chairman of Aeronautical Society of India (Hyderabad Chapter) and Combustion institute (Indian Section).  He is the Fellow of Aeronautical Society of India, Astronautical Society of India, Institution of Engineers, Indian National Academy of Engg., and Life Member of Instrumentation Society of India and Indian Science Congress Association.

 

Dr Saraswat is the recipient of prestigious awards like PADMASHREE (from Govt of India), National Aeronautical Prize (INAE), FICCI Award and many awards from DRDO. International Academy of Engg, Russia elected him as Member of Academy and honoured him as Academician in May 2007