DRDO: Eminent Scientist U Raja Babu Appointed Director General, Missiles and Strategic Systems

Hyderabad: Distinguished scientist Ummalaneni Raja Babu has been appointed as Director General, Missiles & Strategic Systems, DRDO Hyderabad. The appointment is effective from June 1, 2023, Thursday. 

Dr BHVS Narayana Murthy, DS & Director General, Missiles and Strategic Systems (DG, MSS) is retiring on superannuation May 31, 2023. 

U Raja Babu, who holds a graduate degree in mechanical engineering from Andhra University, obtained his master’s degree from IIT Kharagpur and an MBA from JNTU. He started his career with a stint in the Air Force in 1988 and joined DRDO in 1995.

During his 35 years of professional aerospace career, he worked on aircrafts, helicopters and development of many missile systems. As Programme Director, AD at RCI, he provided necessary thrust to the design, development and successful demonstration of Ballistic Missile Defence system capabilities. Under his leadership, "Mission Shakti," India's first Anti Satellite Missile Test (A-SAT) has been successfully demonstrated.

As Director RCI, he worked on development of many critical technologies and mission mode projects , development of advanced missile avionics for all tactical, ATGMs, strategic, cruise missiles and weapon systems for armed forces.

U Raja Babu’s ingenious efforts and contributions for defence applications brought him many recognitions. He conferred with Path breaking research & outstanding technology development award for successfully leading the demonstration of Mission Shakti. Other prestigious awards conferred on U Raja Babu are awarded the Agni award for excellence in self-reliance, DRDO scientist of the year and Vigyan Pratibha Samman Award. He is a fellow Institution of Engineers (IE) and life member of many professional societies. 

Also Read: Wrestlers Protest: BRS MLC Kavitha Questions Centre’s Silence Over Sexual Harassment Issue