The Union Government has appointed Dr. G. Sathish Reddy as a member of the “National Security Advisory Council”. He will continue as India's Strategic Tech Advisor (member) for two years for Council which will function under leadership of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
Background of Dr. G. Satish Reddy
Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy is the former Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). He has also served as the Technical Advisor to the Minister of Defence. He joined the Defence Research and Development Laboratory as a scientist in 1986 and worked as the Director of the Research Institute Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad. He played a key role in the development of missile systems, avionics modules and other innovative systems. He played a key role in the development of Nag, QRSAM, Rudram and long-range guided bombs. He also supervised the first test of the Prithvi Defence Vehicle. He served as the Chairman of DRDO from 2018 to 2022. Recognising his previous services as aerospace scientist, the Union Government appointed him as a member of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). Also, on 19 March 2025, the Government of Andhra Pradesh appointed him as Honorary Advisor (in the rank of State Cabinet) in the fields of Aviation and Defence for a period of two years.
Childhood, Education & Career
Dr. G. Satish Reddy was born on 1 July 1963 in Mahimaluru village, Atmakur mandal, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. He completed his graduation in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Anantapur.
Later, he did his M.S. and Ph.D. from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Hyderabad. In 1986, he joined the Defence Research Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad as a scientist. Later, he joined the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), a brainchild of Dr. Abdul Kalam. Here he served as the Director.
He started his career as a young navigation scientist and system manager. He was promoted to the rank of Distinguished Scientist in September 2014. In May 2015, he was appointed as the Scientific and Technical Advisor to the Minister of Defence.
As Director General (Missiles and Strategic Systems), he headed the Abdul Kalam Missile Complex Labs - ASL, DRDL and RCI, ITR, TBRL and other technical facilities. He led the design and development of several strategic missile systems to achieve complete self-sufficiency in missile systems.
Outstanding services as Chairman of DRDO
He served as the Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from 2018 to 2022. He played a key role in the development of missile systems, avionics modules and other innovative systems. He was in the key role in the development of Nag, QRSAM, Rudram, and long-range guided bombs. Oversaw the first successful test of the Prithvi Defence Vehicle Mark 2 Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile (Mission Shakti).
He was involved in the development of the world's longest-range gun ATAGS, anti-radiation missiles, smart airfield weapons, smart bombs and missile assisted torpedo release systems. He played a key role in the development of indigenous navigation technologies. He has also worked as a Senior Professor at AyanaBITS Pilani.
Member of the National Security Advisory Council
The Central Government has appointed him as a member of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). On March 19, 2025, the Government of Andhra Pradesh appointed him as Honorary Advisor (in the rank of State Cabinet) in the fields of Aviation and Defence for a period of two years.
Experience in the field of Aerospace
Dr. G. Satish Reddy has extensive experience in the fields of defence and aerospace. His appointment to the National Security Advisory Council will help him provide valuable suggestions regarding the country's security policies and technological advancements in the field of defence. His experience will be of great benefit to this council, which works under the leadership of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
His appointment as Advisor to the Government of Andhra Pradesh in the Aviation and Defence sectors will guide the development of world-class aerospace and defence research and manufacturing capabilities in the state. This is expected to give a significant boost to the industrial development of Andhra Pradesh, especially in the defence and aerospace sectors. He had earlier joined BITS Pilani as a Senior Professor and will be contributing to research and innovation related to national security. These appointments will provide an opportunity to utilize Satish Reddy’s vast experience in defence, research and industrial development, especially in the aerospace sector.
