Samir V. Kamat
Samir V. Kamat is an Indian defence scientist serving as the Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D.He oversees India’s strategic defence research programmes, advanced materials development, missile systems, naval technologies, and indigenous defence manufacturing initiatives.
He previously served as Director General and has made significant contributions to materials engineering, high-performance alloys, naval systems and indigenous defence technologies.
Early life and education
Kamat completed his B.Tech in Metallurgical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur and obtained his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Virginia.Career
Kamat joined the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory of DRDO as a scientist and worked extensively in high-performance materials, titanium alloys, armour systems, naval materials, and high-temperature materials.He rose through senior roles including Director, DMRL and Director General, where he led indigenous development in naval stealth technologies, special alloys, underwater systems and high-strength defence materials.
Chairman of DRDO
Kamat assumed charge as Chairman of DRDO in August 2022.His leadership has included oversight of major missile trials, autonomous underwater vehicles, electronic warfare systems, strategic defence research, unmanned platforms, materials innovation and indigenous defence production.
He has repeatedly emphasised that research and development must be viewed as an investment rather than expenditure.
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.He has consistently highlighted the importance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in India’s defence industrial base.