SOURCE: AFI
BrahMos Aerospace, the Indo-Russian joint venture renowned for its supersonic cruise missile systems, is grappling with internal turmoil as a leadership dispute threatens to disrupt its critical operations. The controversy revolves around the appointment of Dr. Jaiteerth R. Joshi as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), a decision now under legal scrutiny at the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in Hyderabad.
The crisis emerged after Dr. Sivasubramanyam Nambi Naidu, a senior scientist, challenged Dr. Joshi’s appointment, alleging that the selection process disregarded his seniority and experience. Dr. Naidu filed a petition with the CAT on November 19, naming both the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Dr. Joshi as respondents.
The CAT held its first hearing on November 30, directing the DRDO to submit a detailed response within four weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for December 30, prolonging uncertainty over BrahMos Aerospace’s leadership at a crucial time for its domestic and international commitments.
The organization is integral to India’s defense infrastructure, with its BrahMos missiles forming a critical component of the armed forces’ arsenal. The missile system, co-developed with Russia, is globally regarded for its precision, versatility, and speed, and its export potential has garnered international interest.
As the CAT deliberates on the case, the DRDO is under pressure to provide a detailed justification for its selection process. Any further delay or adverse ruling could exacerbate the uncertainty, affecting not just BrahMos Aerospace but also India’s strategic ambitions in the defense sector.