Wing Commander Dr. K. Ramchand Passes Away at 82

Wing Commander (Retd) Dr. K. Ramchand, a respected aerospace engineer and former director of the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), passed away on January 17, 2025, at the age of 82. His groundbreaking work in India’s aerospace field has left a lasting legacy.

Early Life and Education

Dr. Ramchand completed his Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, where his academic excellence earned him the ‘Distinguished Alumni Award.’

Career in the Indian Air Force

Dr. Ramchand served in the Indian Air Force (IAF) for over 20 years, becoming part of the Communications Squadron and participating in missions that involved transporting senior military leaders. His expertise and dedication were evident throughout his career.

Leadership at CABS

In 2002, Dr. Ramchand was appointed as the Director of CABS, where he played a pivotal role in the design and development of the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft. The system, inducted into the IAF in 2017, proved vital during the 2019 Balakot airstrike, providing crucial air support to Mirage 2000 jets.

Authorship and Recognition

Dr. Ramchand authored ‘The Incredible Journey of the Indian AWACS,’ which chronicled the development of the AEW&C aircraft, and was released at Aero India 2019. His outstanding contributions to aerospace engineering earned him the ‘Distinguished Alumni Award’ from IISc.

Personal Life and Legacy

An avid golfer, Dr. Ramchand is survived by his wife, Meera Ramchand, and daughters Srilatha and Ramya. His funeral, with military honours, took place at the Wilson Garden Crematorium in Bengaluru.