Media Highlights & Public Engagements
Dr. Vepakomma Bhujanga Rao is a renowned scientist and former Director General of Naval Systems and Materials, DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. With over four decades of distinguished service in science, technology, and strategic research, he has made significant contributions to national defense and innovation. A respected voice in public discourse, his insights and achievements are frequently featured in leading newspapers, scientific forums, and national media. This section highlights Dr. Rao’s media presence, key participations, and thought leadership featured across various platforms.
India to expoit maritime resources to enhance global trade
On 3 December 2022, in Visakhapatnam, the 34th National Convention of Marine Engineers convened under the theme “Contemporary Developments in Maritime Technologies.” At the event, Dr. V. Bhujanga Rao, former Director General of DRDO, delivered a compelling address, highlighting India’s vast maritime potential. He emphasised that countries investing in advanced maritime systems—such as ships with 50% lower fuel consumption—could multiply trade volumes fivefold. Drawing parallels with Japan and Taiwan, Dr. Rao urged India to accelerate adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, enhance marine infrastructure four to five times, and pursue time-bound innovation to exploit marine resources and bolster global trade.
Spy Balloons and National Security: Insights
On 13 March 2023 in Visakhapatnam, The Hans India featured Dr. V. Bhujanga Rao—former DRDO Director General and ISRO Chair Professor at NIAS—on emerging threats from spy balloons. He noted that while high-altitude balloons date back to the Cold War, 21st‑century surveillance is typically satellite‑based, making recent balloon incursions—from China and near the Andaman Islands—alarming. Balloons hovering at ~20 km evade ground-based defenses, requiring costly fighter jets or air-to-air missiles for interception. Furthermore, stealth materials challenge radar detection, and Dr. Rao suggested laser weapons to disable balloon sensors as a potential countermeasure.
Distinguished Achievements and National Responsibilities
Dr. V. Bhujanga Rao has received distinguished recognitions and responsibilities in recent years. He was elected as a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) during its Annual General Meeting in October 2017, honoring his outstanding contributions to science and technology. As a Visiting Professor at NIAS, he also serves as Programme Director for the executive training programme on “Leadership in Advanced Defence Manufacturing (LDMT),” conducted in collaboration with Cranfield University. Most recently, through a letter dated 9th July 2025, Dr. Rao was appointed Chairman of the Expert Committee for reviewing the National Innovation Foundation-India, Gandhinagar.
