New Delhi: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved a one-year extension in service for Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). His tenure has been extended from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Dr Kamat, who took over as the DRDO Chief in August 2022, has been instrumental in steering India’s defence research initiatives, with a focus on self-reliance and indigenous capability development. Under his leadership, DRDO has made significant strides in missile technology, aerospace systems, unmanned platforms, and advanced materials, aligning with the Government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision.
Dr. Kamat, a distinguished scientist who received a one-year extension on May 27 last year—set to conclude this month. He is an alumnus of IIT Kharagpur and The Ohio State University, USA. He joined DRDO in 1989 and has previously served as Director General (Naval Systems and Materials). A Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) and the Institution of Engineers India (IEI), Dr. Kamat is also a recipient of several prestigious honours, including 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.
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