Dr. Samir V. Kamat is a distinguished Indian defence scientist who has served as Chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Secretary of Department of Defence Research and Development. He is also considered an expert in the field of defence materials. He assumed the charge of Chairman of DRDO on 26 August 2022. His tenure was till 2024, after which it was extended by the government till 31 March 2026. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Metallurgical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur. After this, he completed his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from the prestigious Oxford State University, USA.
Major Scientific Projects
- Indigenous Materials for the Navy
He developed and initiated the production of indigenous high-strength DMR 249A and DMR 249B steels for the Indian Navy’s war photo halls. He also led the development of indigenous titanium sponges and alloys for naval structures and developed special acoustic and steel materials to enhance the concealment of ships and submarines from enemy radar and radar.
- Advanced Defense Materials and Weapon Components
Developed components made from extreme temperature-resistant titanium alloys and nickel-base superalloys for aircraft engines. He developed tungsten alloys used in the manufacture of kinetic energy penetrators for missiles and bullets and developed advanced protective armor for soldiers’ personal protective gear and combat vehicles. He also developed fused silica radium for missile seeker protection.
- Naval Systems Development
As Director General, he oversaw the development of several key systems:
Advanced Lightweight Torpedo
Anti-Torpedo Decoder System, which deflects enemy torpedoes
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
Fuel Cell-Based and Independent Propulsion Systems for Submarines
- Strategic Work as DRDO Chief
He led DRDO to focus on future technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Quantum Technology, and Directed Energy Weapons. He also played a key role in transferring thermal management and coiling technology to Indian industries for India’s Fifth Generation Steel Fighter program. He also strengthened the system of working collaboratively with micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and private industries, ensuring that defense research is not confined solely to government laboratories.
Major Honors and Awards
- Scientist of the Year Award : By the Ministry of Steel, Government of India, for his outstanding contributions to metallurgy and materials science.
- Metallurgist of the Year : By the Ministry of Steel, Government of India, for his outstanding contributions to metallurgy and materials science.
- IIM JRD Tata Award 2025 : By the Indian Institute of Metals, for his outstanding corporate leadership in the metallurgical and manufacturing industries.
Academic Honors and Academic Degrees
- Distinguished Alumni Awards
- Honorary Doctorates