Rajesh Kumar Singh Gets Additional DRDO Charge
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has been given additional charge as Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, following the completion of the extended tenure of incumbent DRDO chief Dr Samir V Kamat. The appointment will remain in effect until a regular incumbent is appointed or further orders are issued.
Rajesh Kumar Singh Gets DRDO Charge
The government has assigned Rajesh Kumar Singh the additional responsibility of Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development, and Chairman of DRDO. Singh is already serving as Defence Secretary in the Ministry of Defence.
The move comes as Dr Samir V Kamat’s extended tenure as DRDO Chairman comes to an end on May 31, 2026. Singh will take over the additional charge after Kamat completes his term.
Defence Secretary To Oversee DRDO
Rajesh Kumar Singh is a 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service officer from the Kerala cadre. He took charge as Defence Secretary on November 1, 2024, after serving as Officer on Special Duty in the Defence Ministry.
With the additional charge, Singh will temporarily oversee India’s premier defence research organisation, which plays a major role in missile systems, aeronautics, combat vehicles, electronics, naval systems and strategic technologies.
Samir V Kamat Tenure Ends
Dr Samir V Kamat had been serving as DRDO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development. His tenure had earlier been extended and is now ending this month.
The latest order makes Singh the interim head of DRDO until the government appoints a regular chairman. The arrangement ensures administrative continuity at a time when India’s defence research ecosystem is handling several key indigenous technology programmes.
