Dr Satheesh Reddy headed the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is currently Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri dealing with the programme which spearheads India's indigenous development of defence systems and technologies. In this informative conversation with Smita Prakash, Dr Reddy talks extensively about India’s strategic missile programme and the impact it has on India’s defence system. He sheds light on different developmental programmes undertaken by DRDO for radars, sonar, drones, tanks, aircraft and their contribution during Covid pandemic. He emphasises the growth of the defence industry in India and the start-up movement in the country. He also recalls his years as a young scientist working under the leadership of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.