Renowned DRDO missile scientist Ram Narain Agarwal, widely celebrated as the Father of Agni Missiles, passed away on Thursday in Hyderabad.
Renowned DRDO Scientist Ram Narain Agarwal Passes Away
Renowned DRDO missile scientist Ram Narain Agarwal, widely celebrated as the Father of Agni Missiles, passed away on Thursday in Hyderabad. Agarwal was a pioneering figure in India’s defense research and development, significantly contributing to the country’s long-range ballistic missile program.
Agarwal’s work was instrumental in shaping India’s missile capabilities. As the first Programme Director of the Agni missiles, he played a pivotal role in the development of these strategic weapons. His leadership and vision earned him the moniker “Agni Man”. A Padma Bhushan awardee, Agarwal was the founder-director of the ASL (Advanced Systems Laboratory) and also served as the first Programme Director of the Agni missiles and was also known as Agni Man.
Dr Agarwal led India’s Agni missile programme from its inception in 1983 until his retirement in 2005. He spearheaded the development of various versions of the Agni missile, culminating in the successful Agni V, capable of striking targets over 5000 kilometers. In his career as a scientist, Dr Agarwal worked alongside scientists like Dr Arunachalam and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. During his 22-year career, he established re-entry technology, all-composite heat shields, onboard propulsion systems, and advanced guidance and control systems for missiles.
The Agni missile is the most ambitious of the five missiles sought to be developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme launched by the Union government in 1983. The others were Prithvi, Akash, Nag, and Trishul.
Strategic Forces Command
The Strategic Forces Command sometimes called Strategic Nuclear Command, forms part of India’s Nuclear Command Authority. It is responsible for the management and administration of the country’s tactical and strategic nuclear weapons stockpile
It was created on 4 January 2003 by the Vajpayee Government. Air Marshal Teja Mohan Asthana became its first commander-in-chief.
Current Commander: Vice Admiral R B Pandit, AVSM
The estimated 68 nuclear warheads of land-based nuclear weapons of India are under the control of and deployed by the Strategic Forces Command.
Nuclear Command Authority (India)
The NCA of India is the authority responsible for command, control and operational decisions regarding India’s nuclear weapons programme. It comprises a Political Council headed by the Prime Minister of India and an Executive Council headed by the National Security Advisor.
