Father of Agni Missiles, R N Agarwal, Passes Away at 84

R N Agarwal, considered the father of Agni missiles in India, died at the age of 84. A Padma Bhushan recipient, he was instrumental in initiating the Agni missile series. Former President A P J Abdul Kalam's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme was a significant part of his work.

R N Agarwal, acclaimed as the father of the Agni missiles in India, passed away at the age of 84. The distinguished scientist succumbed to mild old-age related ailments, according to sources from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

A Padma Bhushan awardee, Agarwal had served as the director of the Agni programme and the Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) in Hyderabad. His contributions were pivotal to advancing India's missile technology.

Former President A P J Abdul Kalam, often referred to as the 'Missile Man' of India, initiated the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) with the Agni series being a key element, thanks to Agarwal's influential efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)