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. He oversees IndiaâÂÂs strategic defence research programmes, advanced materials development, missile systems, naval technologies, and indigenous defence manufacturing initiatives. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Kamat assumed charge as Chairman of DRDO in August 2022.
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.
He has repeatedly emphasised that research and development must be viewed as an investment rather than expenditure.
Kamat has spoken about strengthening IndiaâÂÂs 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 (MSMEs) in IndiaâÂÂs defence industrial base.
Kamat has received successive one-year extensions as DRDO Chairman from the Government of India, including extensions in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Kamat has given several interviews discussing IndiaâÂÂs defence reforms, technology roadmap, high-risk innovation and modernisation of research systems.