JOIN USDefence Research and Development Organisation chief Avinash Chander will head the military research establishment for the next 18 months as a contractual employee of the government.
Missile scientist Chander retires on November 30 on attaining superannuation at the age of 64. But he will continue in the post till May 31, 2016 on contract basis, with no change in perks and authority.
He would continue to hold all three positions – DRDO director general; Scientific Adviser to defence minister and Secretary in the department of defence research and development.
When Chander took over on June 1, 2013, he was appointed for a period of three years. Since his tenure extends beyond the date of his retirement, he would be on contract for 18 months, said a press statement issued by the defence ministry.
The chief architect of Agni long range ballistic missiles, Chander led India to successfully develop and test intercontinental range ballistic missile with 5000 km range.
A former director of Advanced System Laboratory in Hyderabad and project director Agni, he was the chief controller in charge of missiles and strategic systems at DRDO headquarters.
DH News Service