NB Exclusive: DRDO Director, Dr. Pradeep Kurulkar receives D.Litt from Ajeenkya DY Patil University, Pune

Pune, Jan 21: In a grand convocation event organized by Ajeenkya DY Patil University, Pune, at their campus in Dhanori-Lohegaon, the name of Dr. Pradeep Kurulkar, DRDO Director, Research & Development Establishment (Engineers), was among the few dignitaries the university had chosen to bestow upon them the honorary title of 'D.Litt'.

 

 

In an exclusive interaction with News Bharati at the event, on being asked about his expectations for the Defence Budget that will be announced soon, Dr. Kurulkar said, "Last 8 years, we are seeing that the 'Defence Budget' is increasing. Responsibilities are also equally bold and challenging on our shoulder. Looking into the circumstances right from Europe till Asia, South Asia, East Asia, I'm sure that the budget will commensurate our expectations and also we'll receive more challenges. - "EVERY NEW CHALLENGE, EVERY DAY"

 

He further said, "We'll welcome new challenges. And now that we know that it is backed up by sufficient funds, I think 'sky is the limit'. And for the last 4 years for DRDO, the way we have excelled, right upto anti-satellite, so few more milestones are leftover and we'll sure catch them."

 

 

 

 

 

Responding to a question regarding any solely dedicated projects to 'Drone and Drone Technology' for the year ahead, the Director said, "I might not be able to divulge the entire details, but believe me, from micro to high altitude and long endurance, we'll be covering everything."

 

The DRDO official also shared his thoughts about India's comprehensive concept of 'Make in India' and the Aero India show and exhibition, starting Feb 13, in Bangalore and said "I shared the organizing committee of DefExpo , which happened last year in October. There was a tweet by the Army Chief, Gen. Manoj Pande, immediately after the expo, that happened from Oct 18 - Oct 22, that the Indian defence manufacturing industry had locked orders worth Rs. 1.5 Cr to be delivered in the next 3 years. What more do we expect!"

 

He further added, "Its not just to say about 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India', its substantiated with this kind of orders. And I'm very sure that more will follow even during the coming 'Aero India'.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Pradeep Kurulkar, is the Director of Research & Development Establishment (Engineers), a premier Systems Engineering Laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). His area of specialization is Design and Development of Missile Launchers, Military Engineering Equipment, Advanced Robotics and Mobile Unmanned Systems for Military Applications.

 

 

 

 

According to the statement of DRDO, his role has been pivotal as the Project Leader & System Manager for Akash Ground Systems. He has contributed valuably in the design, development and production of Akash Launchers and mission-critical Ground Systems, which resulted in the release of production orders to the tune of 1000 crores for the Akash Launchers and other Ground Systems.

 

As a Project Director SF for the prestigious Agni Project, he steered design and development of Road & Rail versions of Launchers & Ground systems. He has played key role in it’s development with users and the efforts have resulted in release of production to orders to the tune of 250 crores for Agni project.

 

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