New Delhi, Delhi, India
Highlighting the critical role of advanced materials in defence and technological progress, Samir V Kamat, Chairperson of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, addressed the CAPSS–IMR Seminar in Delhi, underlining both achievements and challenges in India’s research ecosystem.
During his address, Kamat emphasized that the development of cutting-edge materials has long been a strategic priority for DRDO. “At DRDO, we have three or four laboratories that work specifically on materials… The DRDO has realised the importance of materials long back, and this is one of the thrust areas,” he stated, pointing to the organization’s sustained focus on this domain.
He explained that materials science plays a foundational role in defence innovation, influencing everything from aerospace systems to advanced weaponry and protective technologies. Over the years, DRDO has invested significantly in research capabilities, collaborating with academic institutions and fostering innovation across multiple laboratories.
However, Kamat candidly acknowledged a major challenge that continues to hinder progress. “It is very easy to develop materials in a laboratory… A lot of new work happens in academic institutions as well as in various DRDO labs. But very few of these get translated into industrial production,” he noted, drawing attention to the gap between research and real-world application.
This disconnect between laboratory success and industrial-scale manufacturing remains a critical bottleneck. While India’s research institutions are generating innovative solutions, scaling them up for commercial and defence use requires stronger industry partnerships, infrastructure, and streamlined processes.
Kamat’s remarks underscore the need for a more integrated approach, where academia, research organizations, and industry collaborate closely to ensure that innovations move beyond experimental stages. Strengthening this pipeline, he suggested, is essential for achieving self-reliance in defence technologies.
His address also aligns with the broader national push toward technological independence and indigenous development, where bridging the gap between innovation and implementation is becoming increasingly important.
The CAPSS–IMR Seminar brought together experts, researchers, and policymakers to deliberate on such challenges, with a focus on enhancing India’s capabilities in advanced materials and defence technologies.
Kamat’s insights highlight a crucial reality—while India has made significant strides in research, the true test lies in converting innovation into scalable, industry-ready solutions that can strengthen the nation’s defence and technological landscape.
