The Government of India has decided to extend the tenure of Dr. Samir V Kamat, the Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), by one year, now set to last until May 31, 2026. This extension, which marks the second for Dr. Kamat since he took office in August 2022, was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. It also encompasses his role as Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D).
Dr. Kamat, an esteemed alumnus of IIT Kharagpur and The Ohio State University, USA, has been associated with DRDO since 1989. He has occupied various leadership positions within the organization, including that of Director General for Naval Systems and Materials. His extensive experience and contributions have positioned him as one of India’s leading defence scientists, particularly known for his significant role in promoting indigenous research and development in essential defence technologies.
His professional accolades include being a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) and the Institution of Engineers India (IEI). Dr. Kamat has received numerous prestigious awards, such as the Distinguished Alumni Award from IIT Kharagpur, the Metallurgist of the Year Award from the Ministry of Steel, and DRDO’s Scientist of the Year Award. He has also authored over 180 scientific papers published in international peer-reviewed journals.
On May 22, Dr. Kamat visited Solar Industries in Nagpur, recognized as one of India’s leading indigenous defence manufacturers, to assess production processes and ongoing projects. During his visit, he emphasized the increasing role of the private sector in enhancing India’s defence landscape. “The private sector is playing a crucial role in the defence sector. To achieve the goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and enhance our combat readiness, it is essential to support indigenous defence manufacturing,” he stated in a media interaction.
Additionally, Dr. Kamat expressed satisfaction with the performance of various DRDO-developed weapon systems, which have reportedly been deployed in recent military operations, suggesting their effective use in the recent conflict with Pakistan.
This extension of Dr. Kamat’s tenure is poised to ensure a seamless transition in leadership at DRDO, an organization that is pivotal in elevating India’s technological capabilities in defence, especially in light of increasing geopolitical challenges.
