Prahlada Ramarao

Prahlada Ramarao is a distinguished Indian scientist and the former project director of the Akash missile defence system at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Appointed by the renowned Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Ramarao led the development of this indigenous missile system, which took 15 years to create and successfully passed its first battlefield test against drone and missile attacks from Pakistan. A recipient of the Padma Shri award, Ramarao expressed immense pride and emotion upon the successful deployment of Akash, which has significantly enhanced India’s air defence capabilities and bolstered the nation's self-reliance in defence production.