Dr VS Arunachalam

Dr VS Arunachalam, a material scientist, became the first DRDO scientist to head the DRDO and also to assume the office of the Scientific Adviser. During his tenure of about ten years, the organisation expanded and excelled. He launched three major programmes: Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) under an autonomous body Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA); Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Programme; and IGMDP (Integrated Guided Missiles Development Programme) to develop a family of strategic and tactical guided missiles. An innovative management structure was created for the IGMDP that helped in efficient sanctioning of projects and diligent monitoring of progress, which was later adopted throughout DRDO.