NEW DELHI: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has been assigned additional responsibilities as Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This appointment follows the retirement of the current DRDO chief, Samir V Kamat.
Effective Date and Official Orders
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) issued orders on Friday evening, confirming that Singh will assume the additional charge from May 31. The move ensures continuity in leadership at the premier defence research body.
Kamat's Tenure and Achievements
During Samir V Kamat's tenure as DRDO chairman, which began in August 2022, the organisation undertook significant structural reforms. Key advancements included the development of cutting-edge technologies such as quantum computing and stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicles. Kamat also accelerated the induction of indigenous systems for the armed forces.
Under his leadership, DRDO made notable progress in the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS), indigenous electric propulsion for warships, and enhanced space-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). Additionally, the number of DRDO industry-academia centres of excellence expanded to 15, fostering translational research.
About Rajesh Kumar Singh
Rajesh Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, currently serves as Defence Secretary at South Block, a position he assumed on November 1, 2024. Prior to this, he was appointed Officer on Special Duty (Defence Secretary-designate) on August 20, 2024. Before his defence role, Singh served as Secretary in the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade from April 24, 2023, to August 20, 2024.
Singh has held several key positions throughout his career, including Director (Works and Urban Transport) in the Ministry of Urban Development, Commissioner (Lands) at the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. His extensive experience in administration and policy will be instrumental in guiding DRDO's future direction.
The additional charge comes at a crucial time as DRDO continues to focus on modernising India's defence capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign imports. Singh's leadership is expected to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor while driving further innovation in defence technology.
