Being a woman, when you live and breathe a missile then what possibly can happen? Well, you create deadly missiles and you procreate a fighter jet (Well, kind of!). Yes, she is Tessy Thomas, the legendary “Missile Woman of India”; designer of Agni – III, Agni – IV, and Agni – V ballistic missiles. , Her only son’s name is Tejas, she named him after the fighter jet designed in India by Indian technology.
Invention and Agni Ballistic Missile Program
She was born and brought up in Kerala. Right from childhood she was baffled by the technology behind rockets. She had developed such an inclination towards rocket technology because her home was very close to Thumba Rocket Launching Station. Apart from rockets, science and mathematics were her favorite subjects. Due to her outstanding academic achievements, she received numerous scholarships which proved helpful to continue her study. She also had to borrow a loan from the Bank to support her study expenses. Her father was partially paralyzed and her school teacher mother was struggling to run the household of eight members. So nothing was served on a silver platter to her.
In 1988 she joined the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). She joined DRDO with a dream to make India completely self-dependent in long-distance ballistic missile technology. A few years later Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam himself appointed her to ‘Project Agni’. It was one of the most important projects for the Indian defense system. Because the successful implementation of that project was going to ensure the much-needed self-dependency of India in long-distance ballistic missiles. Needless to say, Tessy embraced the challenge instantly.
She was appointed as Associate Project Director – for Agni III (3000 KM range), Project Director for Agni IV (4000 KM range), and Agni V (5000 KM range). The consecutive success of these projects gave her a new name and that was ‘Agni Putri’ (The Daughter of Fire) or the “Missile Woman of India”. Under her leadership, India became self-reliant in long-distance ballistic missile technology in this part of the world. In 2018, she was promoted and presently she is the Director General of Aeronautical Systems in DRDO.
Brief Biography: Tessy Thomas - The Missile Woman of India
Tessy was born and raised in Kerala. Her mother was a teacher and the sole breadwinner of their family. Her father was partially paralyzed. As a child, Tessy developed a fascination with rocket science. That fascination developed due to the Thumba Rocket Launching Station, which was pretty close to her home. Tessy watched the rocket launch excitedly. A brilliant student, she excelled in mathematics and science. Later while studying she managed to secure numerous scholarships to further continue her education. Despite financial challenges, she was determined to pursue her dreams in the defense sector.
In 1988, she joined the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). In DRDO, she quickly rose through the ranks. In recognition of her exceptional talent, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam appointed her to lead Project Agni. She took on the roles of Associate Project Director for Agni III, and as Project Director for Agni IV, and Agni V. She was responsible for the successful development of all these projects. These missiles, with ranges of 3000, 4000, and 5000 km respectively, ensured India’s self-reliance in long-range missile technology. Her leadership earned her the title “Agni Putri” (Daughter of Fire) or the Missile Woman of India. Tessy Thomas is currently the Director General of Aeronautical Systems at DRDO.
How Tessy Thomas' Contribution Has Changed the World
Tessy Thomas’ contributions to India’s defense and aerospace capabilities have reshaped the country’s standing in global military technology. As the leader behind the Agni missile series, she played a pivotal role in India’s development of long-range ballistic missiles. She significantly enhanced the country’s defense infrastructure. The successful launch of Agni III, IV, and V under her leadership gave India a strategic advantage. It ensured self-sufficiency in missile technology and reduced dependence on foreign nations for critical defense systems.
Her work strengthened India’s national security and propelled the country into the ranks of global missile powers. Thanks to our Missile Woman of India, we became capable of developing and deploying advanced missile systems. Tessy Thomas has inspired generations of women in science and engineering. She broke barriers in a field traditionally dominated by men. By successfully leading such high-profile projects, she demonstrated that India could achieve technological autonomy and innovate in defense systems. Her designs are constantly upgraded and modified. Her story is a testament to resilience and determination. She showed how one person’s contribution can impact the world on a global scale, both in terms of national security and the empowerment of women in STEM fields.
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