DeepState Network | New Delhi
NEW DELHI, May 30: In a significant administrative move, the Government of India has assigned additional charge of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman's post to Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.1989 batch IAS kerela cadre .The appointment comes as the extended tenure of outgoing DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat draws to a close at the end of May.
According to an official order issued by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Singh will assume the additional responsibilities of Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development, and Chairman of DRDO while continuing to serve as Defence Secretary.
The transition places one of the country's most experienced civil servants at the helm of India's premier defence research establishment, which is responsible for developing advanced military technologies, missile systems, aerospace platforms, electronic warfare capabilities, and strategic defence projects.
Rajesh Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has served in several key positions within the Government of India before taking over as Defence Secretary in November 2024. His appointment is expected to ensure continuity in major indigenous defence programmes and ongoing modernisation initiatives.
Outgoing DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat, who assumed office in 2022, oversaw several important defence technology projects and indigenous weapons development programmes during his tenure. Under his leadership, DRDO expanded its focus on self-reliance in defence manufacturing and advanced strategic systems.
Defence analysts view the additional charge arrangement as a measure aimed at maintaining administrative stability while the government evaluates long-term leadership options for the organisation.
DRDO remains a crucial pillar of India's national security architecture, employing thousands of scientists and engineers across a network of laboratories dedicated to strengthening the country's defence capabilities.
The article is based on reports regarding the government's order assigning additional charge of DRDO Chairman to Rajesh Kumar Singh following the end of Samir V. Kamat's tenure.
