Minimising imports of military equipment my priority: DRDO chief

​Hyderabad: New Chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) G Satheesh Reddy said, “producing world class military equipment indigenously and minimising imports of military equipment is my priority. Speaking to The Hans India, he said that he would try his best to turn the DRDO as a centre of excellence for experiments at the international level. He shared his joy for elevating to the position, which was earlier held by missile man of India APJ Abdul Kalam and other eminent personalities.

Minimising imports of Military equipment by promoting Indian industries will save a lot for us, Satheesh Reddy said. “If we go to the level of exporting our military equipment, it will boost revenues for the country,” he said. Explaining about his course of action, he said that the organisation will promote basic research at the universities and work jointly with industries in the areas of development and application. He also said that promoting start-ups and supporting innovations and handhold them is also important.

“Our country progressed in various sectors for the past 25 years. We are able to produce war equipment including aircrafts, submarines, radars etc. Even though our military imports are high. We focus on ‘Make in India’ programme in military needs,” he said.

Belonging to a farmer’s family and now holding the country’s key position, the simple and humble scientist believes that he will get cooperation from all quarters. Terming this as a great responsibility, he thanked the government for the opportunity.