Shri Ankathi Raju, a Distinguished Scientist, has been appointed as the Director of the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad, where he has assumed his new role. DRDL is a leading laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), located within the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, focusing on the design, development, and delivery of advanced defence systems for missile development initiatives. Shri Raju holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the University College of Engineering at Osmania University in Hyderabad and a Master of Technology in Aeronautical Engineering with a specialization in Propulsion from the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai.
Over the past thirty years, he has made significant contributions, including the successful demonstration of the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet propulsion system, the design and development of Liquid Propulsion Systems for various missiles such as Prithvi, Agni, PAD, PDV, and Mission Shakti (ASAT), as well as reaction control systems and air defence interceptors, along with axial flow compressors. As the Director of the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), he has overseen the design and development of the Enhanced Rocket System, Guided Pinaka, and the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System. Shri Raju has received the DRDO Agni Excellence Award for Self-Reliance and the Best Scientist Award from the Government of Telangana.
He is a Life Member of the Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI), the High Energy Materials Society of India (HEMSI), and the Indian Society of Systems for Science and Engineering (ISSE).