The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet has approved a significant change in leadership for India’s aeronautical sector. Jitendra J Jadhav, a Distinguished Scientist with nearly four decades of experience in aircraft design and development, has been appointed as the new Director General of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). This appointment, effective from September 11, 2024, marks a new chapter in India’s pursuit of aeronautical excellence.
Jadhav’s journey with the Aeronautical Development Agency began in 1999 when he joined as a Scientist/Engineer ‘E’. This initial role laid the foundation for what would become a transformative career in Indian aviation.
Throughout his tenure, Jadhav has been instrumental in the development of both combat and civil aircraft. His expertise spans across various domains of aeronautical engineering, contributing significantly to India’s indigenous aircraft capabilities.
One of Jadhav’s most notable achievements came in 2013 when he assumed the role of Project Director (LCA AF MK1). In this capacity, he oversaw the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, a milestone that paved the way for its induction into the Indian Air Force.
Jadhav’s innovative approach transformed the Tejas into a formidable combat platform. He spearheaded the development of critical systems including:
These advancements significantly enhanced the Tejas’s combat capabilities, positioning it as a state-of-the-art fighter jet.
In September 2022, Jadhav took on the role of Director & Programme Director (Combat Aircraft) at ADA. During this tenure, he led several crucial projects:
Prior to his role at ADA, Jadhav served as the Director of the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories from 2016 to 2022. His leadership during this period was marked by:
Jadhav’s contributions to aeronautical science and engineering have been widely recognized. His accolades include:
Additionally, Jadhav has authored numerous published papers and pioneered innovations in avionics systems, further cementing his status as a leading figure in the field.
As the new Director General of ADA, Jadhav’s immediate priorities include:
Jadhav’s vision for ADA encompasses several key areas:
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