Under the new leadership, the Advanced System Laboratory (ASL) will focus on advanced propulsion, missile systems integration and next-generation defence technologies.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) appoints Dr M. Raghavendra Rao as the Director of the Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) in Hyderabad. He takes charge of the facility, which is part of the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, responsible for developing key missile and propulsion technologies for India’s defence systems.
ASL is one of DRDO’s core laboratories focuses on the research, design, and production of advanced propulsion systems and strategic missile technologies. It plays a major role in the development of long-range and tactical missile systems under India’s defence programmes. The lab also engages in systems integration, materials research, and testing related to missile propulsion and control systems.
Dr Raghavendra Rao comes with long experience in propulsion and related technologies. His appointment comes at a time when DRDO is expanding its work on advanced propulsion, navigation, and missile delivery systems for strategic defence capabilities. As head of ASL, he will oversee ongoing research projects, technology upgrades, and collaborations with other DRDO labs and production agencies.
Located in Hyderabad, ASL operates as part of the larger DRDO ecosystem dedicated to missile research and testing. The lab has contributed to several of India’s major missile programmes and continues to focus on developing next-generation systems for future applications.
Dr Raghavendra Rao’s leadership at ASL is expected to support ongoing efforts to enhance propulsion efficiency, improve system reliability, and ensure that future missile platforms meet India’s defence requirements. His work will also align with DRDO’s wider mission to increase indigenous technological capability in strategic sectors.
