Scientific adviser to defence minister G Satheesh Reddy appointed new DRDO chief; to hold post for two years

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman new DRDO chief G Satheesh Reddy. PIB[/caption]He has been appointed to the post of DRDO chairman for two years. He will also be the secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development (DoDRD) for the same period, an order issued by Personnel Ministry said.The post of DRDO chief was lying vacant for about the past three months after S Christopher completed his term in May this year. Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra was then given additional charge of the post.In May last year, Christopher was given a one-year extension. His extended term had ended on 28 May. In May 2015, he was appointed the Director General of the DRDO for a two-year term.Christopher was then working as distinguished scientist and programme director (airborne early warning and control system) and director, Centre for Air-Borne Systems in the DRDO.Established in 1980, the DoDRD advises the government on scientific aspects of military equipment and logistics and the formulation of research, design and development plans for the equipment required by the three Services — the army, navy and the air dorce.