The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Jitendra J Jadhav as the Director General of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), effective from September 11, 2024. Jadhav, a Distinguished Scientist, brings with him nearly four decades of experience in aircraft design and development, making him a key figure in India’s aeronautical advancements.
Jadhav’s journey at ADA began in 1999 when he joined as a Scientist/Engineer ‘E’. Over his career, he has played a significant role in the development of both combat and civil aircraft. As Project Director (LCA AF MK1) in 2013, he oversaw the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), leading to its induction into the Indian Air Force. He is credited with pioneering the weaponization of the Tejas, transforming it into a lethal platform with innovations such as the Mission and Display Computer, Digital Weapon Management System, and Flight Dynamics Simulator.
Most recently, Jadhav served as the Director & Programme Director (Combat Aircraft) from September 2022, where he spearheaded multiple key projects, including the Military Type Certification of the Series Production Trainer (SPT) aircraft, the successful maiden flight of the Naval Prototype (NP5), and the demonstration of the first arrested landing of the LCA Navy on the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. Under his leadership, the enhanced Tejas LCA AF Mk1 A completed its maiden flight, and significant milestones were achieved in the LCA AF Mk2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) projects.
Before his recent role at ADA, Jadhav was the Director of the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (2016-2022), where he revived critical aerospace projects, including the SARAS project and the Hansa-NG (2-seater flying trainer). He also led the development of the High-Altitude Solar-Powered Platform (HAP) and Regional Transport Aircraft aimed at promoting regional connectivity.
A recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the DRDO Scientist of the Year and the DRDO Agni Award for Self-Reliance, he is a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) and the Royal Aeronautical Society (UK). His contributions to the field have been widely recognized, with several published papers and innovations in avionics systems.
In his new role as Director General, ADA anticipates that Jadhav’s visionary leadership and expertise in agile project management will accelerate the development of critical combat aircraft programs. His immediate focus will be on the first flight of the LCA AF Mk2 in late 2025, as well as the rollout of the AMCA project. Additionally, Jadhav is expected to introduce policy reforms, promote the growth of ADA’s laboratory capabilities, and integrate AI/ML and MUM-T (Manned-Unmanned Teaming) techniques in future aircraft developments.
