Jagannath Nayak takes over as DG- Missiles & Strategic Systems, DRDO
In a significant leadership development at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), distinguished scientist Dr Jagannath Nayak has been appointed as the new Director General (Missiles & Strategic Systems). He succeeds Distinguished Scientist U. Raja Babu, who retired on June 30, 2026, after an accomplished tenure.
Dr Nayak’s appointment comes at a crucial juncture as DRDO continues to strengthen India’s indigenous missile capabilities and strategic defence technologies under the broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. As Director General (Missiles & Strategic Systems), he will lead one of DRDO’s most critical technology clusters, overseeing the development of advanced missile systems, strategic weapon platforms, and next-generation defence technologies.
Prior to his elevation, Dr Nayak was serving as Director of the Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), Hyderabad. With more than three decades of experience in defence research and technology development, he has played a key role in several strategic programmes that have enhanced India’s self-reliance in critical defence technologies.
An accomplished scientist in the field of electrical communication engineering, Dr Nayak has made notable contributions to advanced avionics, guidance systems, high-energy weapon technologies, and indigenous defence systems. He is widely recognised for leading the development, successful field validation, and technology transfer of India’s first Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system, marking an important milestone in the country’s defence research ecosystem.
Dr Nayak completed his higher education at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, earning both his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Electrical Communication Engineering. Throughout his scientific career, he has authored more than 125 technical papers and has actively contributed to research, innovation, and the mentoring of young scientists and scholars.
His contributions have been recognised through several prestigious honours, including the DRDO Agni Award for Excellence in Self-Reliance, the Aryabhata Award, and the National Aeronautical Prize. He is also a Fellow of several leading professional and scientific institutions, reflecting his standing within India’s scientific community.
As head of the Missiles & Strategic Systems cluster, Dr Nayak is expected to provide strategic direction to a wide range of missile and advanced defence technology programmes that are central to India’s national security architecture. His extensive scientific expertise and proven leadership are expected to further strengthen DRDO’s ongoing efforts in research, innovation, and indigenous capability development.
The appointment also marks an important transition within DRDO’s senior leadership. With the retirement of U. Raja Babu and the process underway for the appointment of the organisation’s next Chairman, the induction of experienced scientific leaders into key positions is expected to ensure continuity across several strategic programmes.
Dr Jagannath Nayak’s elevation underscores the Government of India’s continued emphasis on promoting experienced scientists to leadership positions in critical national institutions. His vast experience in advanced defence technologies, coupled with a distinguished record of innovation and institution-building, places him in a strong position to guide DRDO’s missile and strategic systems programmes during a period of rapid technological advancement and growing defence requirements.
As India continues to invest in cutting-edge defence research and indigenous weapon systems, Dr Nayak’s leadership is expected to contribute significantly to the next phase of innovation in missile technology and strategic defence capabilities.
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Indian Bureaucracy News wishes Dr Jagannath Nayak the very best.