Rajesh Kumar Singh Takes Additional Charge as DRDO Chairman After Samir Kamat’s Retirement

Central Government has give the additional charge of Secretary, Department of Defense Research and Development, and Chairman of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh . His appointment comes after the retirement of Dr. Samir V Kamat who served as the DRDO Chairman since August 2022.

Rajesh Kumar Singh Takes Additional Charge of DRDO

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the assignment of the additional responsibilities to Rajesh Kumar Singh. He will assume the additional charge from 31st May 2026 along with it he continues to serve as India’s Defense Secretary.

As a DRDO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Defense Research and Development he will oversee one of the India’s most important scientific and technological institutions responsible for developing advanced defense systems.

Leadership Transition After Samir V Kamat’s Retirement

This appointment follows the retirement of theDr. Samir V Kamat, who had completed his tenure as DRDO Chairman. Kamat had assumed office in August 2022 and played the vital role in to strengthening India’s indigenous defense research ecosystem.

His tenure also focused on to accelerating the innovation, promoting advanced technologies and increasing the collaboration between research institutions, academia and industry.

Under his leadership DRDO has expanded its efforts in a several strategic areas critical to India’s future military capabilities.

Major Achievements During Samir V Kamat’s Tenure

In a leadership period of Dr. Kamat DRDO witnessed the several important developments in defense technology.

Key Areas of Progress

• Quantum Computing Research
• Stealth Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs)
• Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS)
• Indigenous Electric Propulsion for Warships
• Space-Based Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)
• Defence Innovation Ecosystem Expansion

Who is Rajesh Kumar Singh?

Rajesh Kumar Singh isthe senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1989 Kerala cadre. He currently serves as the Defense Secretary of India and he had assumed this position November 1, 2024.

Before taking charge as the Defense Secretary, he served as the,

• Officer on Special Duty (Defense Secretary-designate)
• Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
• Director (Works and Urban Transport), Ministry of Urban Development
• Commissioner (Lands), Delhi Development Authority (DDA)
• Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

His extensive administrative experience is expected to support the DRDO’s strategic and institutional objectives.