Education:
- B.Tech (Hons) in Metallurgical Engineering, IIT Kharagpur (1985)
- Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering, The Ohio State University (1988)
Service & Current Role:
- Joined DRDO in 1989
- Appointed Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) in August 2022
- Tenure extended for two additional yearsâfirst in June 2024, and again from June 2025 to May 2026
đ§Ș Scientific & Institutional Career
Dr. Kamat is a nationally recognized materials scientist and technologist. His significant contributions include:
- Leading development of critical materials: high-strength steels, high-temperature titanium and nickel alloys for aero-engines, tungsten-heavy alloys for penetrators, fused silica radomes, armour and stealth composite materials
- Spearheading naval R&D initiatives: light-weight torpedoes, anti-torpedo decoys, autonomous underwater vehicles, advanced sonars, and submarine air-independent propulsion systems
- Guided over 180 peer-reviewed publications and held leadership roles across DRDO laboratories, including Naval Systems & Materials
He is a fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering and the Institution of Engineers India, and recipient of honors including IIT-Kharagpurâs Distinguished Alumni Award, the Ministry of Steelâs Metallurgist of the Year, and DRDO Scientist of the Year awards.
đ Leadership of Defence R&D
As Secretary and DRDO Chairperson, Dr. Kamat is recognized as a reformer, focused on strengthening core science, technology competence, and outcome-oriented organizational culture within DRDO.
Under his tenure:
- He continues multiple reform efforts to streamline DRDO’s research systems
- His extension until May 2026 ensures continuity during important modernization initiatives, including advanced materials and naval systems development
đ Broader Impact
Dr. Kamatâs leadership aligns with India’s strategic vision of âAatmanirbhar Bharatâ in defence science and technologyâenhancing indigenous capabilities in materials, critical systems, marine and aerospace technologies.