Within three summers of a ‘Surgical move’ that split the top post at the DRDO into two, the crucial defence research body finds itself without a full fledged leader again.

When S Christopher retired on May 29, after one unexpected extension, the Defence Ministry handed over the reins temporarily to one of the secretaries, Sanjay Mitra, for three months.

From the beginning of this year several names for the top post have been doing the rounds. There was also talk of Christopher getting another extension.

The government’s indecision comes as a dampener for the DRDO, which has around 50 national laboratories across the country. The Organisation has been at the receiving end for the delays in major projects like LCA, main battle tank, and AWACS. A couple of years ago, even Prime Minister Narendra Modi pulled up the top brass and urged greater efficiency and accountability.

After the then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar shocked the establishment by sacking Avinash Chander, who was DG of DRDO and Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister, in 2015 much was expected from the government.

The government was also firm on not giving extensions in publicly funded units.

Parrikar said the government wanted younger leadership and a sharper focus on developments. Consequently, Christopher, who was closer to retirement was made DRDO chief in May and a younger G Satheesh Reddy, 52, was made SA to Defence Minister. Interestingly, Reddy’s term ends on June 3.

Avinash Chander, a top class missile scientist, whose contract was cut short by more than a year, went out with all guns blazing by successfully launching Agni 5 on his last working day. The government has the tough task of taking many critical decisions on mega defence deals as the defence forces have been demanding latest ammunition and modernisation. So it is important to have capable chiefs at the helm of DRDO to advise on critical technology as over 60 per cent of requirements are imported.

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