Samir V. Kamat
Samir V. Kamat | |
|---|---|
| Chairman, Defence Research and Development Organisation | |
| Assumed office August 2022 | |
| Preceded by | G. Satheesh Reddy |
| Personal details | |
| Alma mater | IIT Kharagpur; University of Virginia |
| Occupation | Defence scientist |
Samir V. Kamat is an Indian defence scientist serving as the Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D.[1][2][3] He oversees India’s strategic defence research programmes, advanced materials development, missile systems, naval technologies, and indigenous defence manufacturing initiatives.[4][5][6][7] He previously served as Director General (Naval Systems and Materials) and has made significant contributions to materials engineering, high-performance alloys, naval systems and indigenous defence technologies.[8][9]
Early life and education
Kamat completed his B.Tech in Metallurgical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur and obtained his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Virginia.[10][11][12]
Career
Kamat joined the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) of DRDO as a scientist and worked extensively in high-performance materials, titanium alloys, armour systems, naval materials, and high-temperature materials.[13]
He rose through senior roles including Director, DMRL and Director General (Naval Systems and Materials), where he led indigenous development in naval stealth technologies, special alloys, underwater systems and high-strength defence materials.[14]
Chairman of DRDO
Kamat assumed charge as Chairman of DRDO in August 2022.[15]
His leadership has included supervision of major missile trials, autonomous underwater vehicles, electronic warfare systems, strategic defence research, unmanned platforms, materials innovation and indigenous defence production.[16]
He has repeatedly emphasised that research and development must be viewed as an investment rather than expenditure.[17]
Work and public statements
Kamat has spoken about strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, advancing layered air defence systems, and pushing for high-risk, high-reward indigenous technologies.[18][19]
He has consistently highlighted the importance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India’s defence industrial base.[20]
Extensions of tenure
Kamat has received successive one-year extensions as DRDO Chairman from the Government of India, including extensions in 2024, 2025 and 2026.[21][22][23][24]
Interviews and viewpoints
Kamat has given several interviews discussing India’s defence reforms, technology roadmap, high-risk innovation and modernisation of research systems.[25][26]
See also
References
- ^ "Scientist Samir V. Kamat appointed as DRDO chief". www.manoramayearbook.in. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "Samir V Kamat appointed DRDO chief". The Times of India. 25 August 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "Dr Samir V Kamat appointed DRDO chief". IMR. 15 September 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "Scientist Samir V Kamat Appointed As New Chief Of Defence Research Body DRDO". NDTV. 25 August 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "Samir V. Kamat appointed DRDO chief". The Hindu. 25 August 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "Samir V Kamat appointed DRDO chief". The Indian Express. 25 August 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "Distinguished scientist Samir V Kamat appointed DRDO chief". The New Indian Express. 25 August 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "My Journey as a Materials Engineer" (PDF). Indian National Academy of Engineering. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "Samir Kamat appointed as new DRDO chief, incumbent Satheesh Reddy becomes Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister". ThePrint. 25 August 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "My Journey as a Materials Engineer" (PDF). Indian National Academy of Engineering. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ Arora, Akansha (27 November 2023). "DRDO Chairman, Know the Name". adda247. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "Dr. Samir V Kamat(B.Tech. / 1981-85 / Meta) takes over as chairman of India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)". www.iitkgpalumnifoundation.in. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "Distinguished scientist Samir V Kamat appointed DRDO chairman". Business Standard. 25 August 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "DRDO transfers three advanced materials technologies to industry partners". Business Standard. 4 September 2025. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "Government appoints Samir Kamat as new DRDO chief". India Today. 25 August 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "DRDO's indigenous man-portable AUVs mark major step in mine countermeasures". The New Indian Express. 14 November 2025. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "R&D must be seen as investment, not expenditure: DRDO Chief Samir V. Kamat". Times of India. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "Operation Sindoor shows power of self-reliance: DRDO chief". The Indian Express. 2025. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "Work underway on layered defence systems like Iron Dome: DRDO Chief". India TV. 6 June 2025. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "MSMEs key to self-reliant defence manufacturing: DRDO chief". The Hindu. 2025. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "Samir V Kamat gets second one-year extension as DRDO chief". The Hindu. 12 May 2025. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "Centre extends tenure of DRDO chief Samir Kamat". The Print. 2025. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "Government extends Samir Kamat's tenure till 2026". India Today. 26 May 2025. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ Singh, Mayank (28 May 2024). "Government extends tenure of DRDO chief by 1 year". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "DRDO chief speaks on reforms and future roadmap". The Week. 6 June 2025. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ "Cutting-edge projects avoided in India due to aversion to risk: DRDO chief". The Hindu. 2025. Retrieved 16 November 2025.