From Missile Launchers to Espionage: The Downfall of DRDO Scientist PM Kurulkar
Pune, 5th May 2023: PM Kurulkar, an outstanding scientist and Director of Research & Development Establishment (Engineers) [R&DE(E)], a premier Systems Engineering Laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in Vishrantwadi, has been arrested on charges of espionage.
The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) had taken him into custody for allegedly sharing confidential information with a woman operative of Pakistan’s ISI.
According to DRDO officials, Kurulkar (59), a resident of Kothrud in Pune, was a visionary and a pioneer in the field of advanced missile launchers and specialized military engineering and robotics systems. He had an illustrious career that spanned over three decades, and he had made a significant contribution to the defence industry. Born in 1963, Kurulkar joined DRDO at CVRDE, Avadi, in 1988 after completing his Bachelor’s degree (BE) in Electrical Engineering from COEP Pune in 1985 in first class with Distinction. He further completed his advanced courses in Power Electronics from IIT Kanpur with specialization in Drives and application.
Kurulkar was an expert in Design and Development of Missile Launchers, Military Engineering Equipment, Advanced Robotics and Mobile Unmanned Systems for Military Applications. He was a Project Leader and System Manager for Akash Ground Systems, and his contribution to the design, development, and production of Akash Launchers and mission-critical Ground Systems was pivotal. His efforts have been resulted in the release of production orders to the tune of 1000 crores for the Akash Launchers and other Ground Systems.
As a Project Director SF, Agni Project, he steered the design and development of Road & Rail versions of Launchers & Ground systems. His contribution in its development with users has resulted in release of production orders to the tune of 250 crores for the Agni project. Kurulkar’s contribution as a Team Leader and Lead Designer was instrumental in the successful design, development, and delivery of a number of Military Engineering Systems and Equipments including Missile Launchers for Programme AD, MRSAM, Nirbhay Subsonic Cruise Missile System, Prahar, QRSAM, XRSAM, Hyperbaric Chamber and Mobile Power Supply and High-Pressure Pneumatic Systems.
In March 2019, DRDO successfully conducted Mission Shakti, an anti-satellite missile test, and the critical subsystem of this mission was the design and development of a ballistic missile Launcher from concept to a deployable prototype. The Launcher was developed in a very short time of three months under the able guidance and leadership of Kurulkar, whose innovative execution and management techniques not only made the system ready in advance but also brought laurels to R & DE (Engrs), Pune.
Kurulkar had also pioneered the successful development and implementation of Electro-mechanical Servo Drive Technology for high-performance military applications. He had successfully developed advanced products such as Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles, Intelligent Robotic equipment for Military application. He had launched a series of new technological initiatives in the emerging technology areas like – High-Performance High Power Servo Drive Technology, Platform Stabilization Technology, AFPM based Alternator Technology, VSCF based Power Source Technology, Electric Propulsion Technology, Missile Canister Technology, Autonomous Navigation Technology for small UGVs, Intelligent Robotic Manipulators for hazardous military applications and Linear Electric Motor Technology.
Kurulkar had a futuristic vision to make the country self-reliant in the critical areas of advanced missile launchers and specialized military engineering and robotics systems. He had plans to develop dual-use, multi-purpose products and technologies with enhanced civilian application of DRDO products and technologies. He also wanted to aggressively pursue the export of successful DRDO developed products, equipment.
Kurulkar is a recipient of the Science Day Award for Best Publication in 2000, the DRDO Agni Award for Excellence in Self-Reliance in 2002, the DRDO Award for Path-breaking Research/Outstanding Technology development in 2008 for AKASH and the DRDO Award for Performance Excellence for MRSAM in 2016 and the Award for Excellence of Technology by DEMA in 2016.
He is a fellow of the Institution of Engineers (India), Life Member of Indian National Society for Aerospace and Related Mechanisms (INSARM), Member of Fluid Power Society of India (FPSI), and Robotics Society of India. Also, he is a Life Member of Institute of Smart Structures and Systems (ISSS).
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