New Delhi, Aug 27 - Distinguished scientist Vijay Kumar Saraswat, currently the chief controller of research and development (Missiles and Strategic Systems), will be the new scientific advisor to the defence minister and the chief of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Saraswat, who has been awarded the Padma Shri, the country's fourth highest civilian award, will take over from incumbent M. Natarajan on September 1.

In his present position since November 2005, he has spearheaded the development of the country's strategic and tactical missile systems, including the Agni series of strategic missiles covering a range of up to 3,000 kms, a DRDO official said.

Saraswat oversaw the development of number of a critical missile technologies that were denied to the country under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), thus making India self-reliant in missile technologies.