Government Assigns Additional Charge to Rajesh Kumar Singh
Rajesh Kumar Singh Takes Additional Charge as DRDO Chairman: The Government of India has entrusted Rajesh Kumar Singh, the Defence Secretary, with the additional responsibility of Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development, and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) following the retirement of Dr. Samir V. Kamat. Rajesh Kumar Singh assumed the additional charge from 31 May 2026 while continuing as Defence Secretary.
Static GK Fact: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) is chaired by the Prime Minister and is responsible for approving appointments to senior positions in the Government of India.
Leadership Transition at DRDO
The appointment follows the completion of the tenure of Dr. Samir V. Kamat, who served as DRDO Chairman from August 2022 to May 2026.
During his tenure, DRDO strengthened indigenous defence research, accelerated technology development, and expanded collaboration with academia, startups, and industry to promote self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Major Achievements Under Dr. Samir V. Kamat
Under Dr. Kamat’s leadership, DRDO made significant progress in several strategic defence technologies.
Key focus areas included Quantum Computing, Stealth Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs), Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), Indigenous Electric Propulsion for Warships, Space-Based Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), and strengthening the Defence Innovation Ecosystem.
These initiatives support India’s long-term goal of achieving Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence.
Static GK Tip: DRDO functions under the Ministry of Defence and develops advanced technologies for the Indian Armed Forces.
Who is Rajesh Kumar Singh?
Rajesh Kumar Singh is a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre. He became Defence Secretary on 1 November 2024 and has held several important positions in the Central Government.
His previous assignments include Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Commissioner (Lands), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and senior positions in the Ministry of Urban Development.
His administrative experience is expected to strengthen DRDO’s strategic planning and institutional development.
Importance of the Appointment
The additional charge ensures continuity in the leadership of India’s premier defence research organisation during the transition period.
With Rajesh Kumar Singh heading both the Department of Defence and DRDO, coordination between defence policy and indigenous technology development is expected to improve, supporting India’s military modernisation and defence self-reliance.
Static GK Fact: DRDO was established in 1958 through the merger of the Technical Development Establishment (TDE), Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP), and the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Rajesh Kumar Singh Takes Additional Charge as DRDO Chairman:
| Fact | Detail |
| Appointment | Rajesh Kumar Singh given additional charge as DRDO Chairman |
| Additional Position | Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development |
| Effective From | 31 May 2026 |
| Approved By | Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) |
| Replaced | Dr. Samir V. Kamat |
| Samir V. Kamat’s Tenure | August 2022 – May 2026 |
| Current Position | Defence Secretary |
| IAS Batch | 1989 |
| Cadre | Kerala |
| Previous Key Role | Secretary, DPIIT |
| DRDO Established | 1958 |
| Parent Ministry | Ministry of Defence |
| Major DRDO Focus Areas | UCAVs, Quantum Computing, EMALS, ISR, Electric Propulsion |
| Objective | Strengthen indigenous defence research and technology |
| Defence Self-Reliance Initiative | Aatmanirbhar Bharat |
