Raksha Mantri Inaugurates Missile & AI Facilities at BEL Bengaluru
Bengaluru, 16 February 2026: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visited Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru today, inaugurating a state-of-the-art Missile Integration Facility, and flagging-off the Akash 3rd and 4th Regiment Combat Systems. He also unveiled the Mountain Fire Control Radar, reinforcing India’s commitment to indigenisation in defence technology.
In a simultaneous remote ceremony from Pune, Shri Singh inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence (CoE-AI) and formally launched BEL’s AI Policy, highlighting the increasing role of cutting-edge technologies in national defence.
Focus on Advanced Indigenous Technologies
During his visit, Shri Rajnath Singh was briefed on a range of indigenous defence innovations, including AI-driven solutions developed by Indian start-ups. BEL showcased its progress in electronic warfare systems, avionics, naval platforms, electro-optics, and tank electronics.
“The network-centric capabilities of BEL’s integrated systems, combined with real-time data sharing and decision-support tools, are significantly enhancing India’s combat effectiveness,” Shri Singh observed.
Ongoing R&D and Strategic Programmes
The Defence Minister reviewed BEL’s ongoing research aligned with critical national programmes such as:
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Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (QRSAM)
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Light Combat Aircraft Mark II (LCA Mk II)
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Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)
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Project Kusha (MR SAM/LR SAM)
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Counter-Drone Systems
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Naval Weapon Control Systems
Shri Singh noted that indigenous R&D is strengthening operational readiness across land, air, and naval domains, reducing dependency on foreign technology, and achieving world-class standards in defence systems.
Indigenous Systems Proven in Field Operations
Highlighting recent operational successes, the Raksha Mantri said, “India’s indigenously developed air defence and anti-drone systems effectively neutralised threats during Operation Sindoor. The integration of AI in early warning and response mechanisms provides soldiers with enhanced confidence on the battlefield.”
He emphasized that victory with indigenous technology ensures true self-reliance, and instills both strategic and operational assurance for the armed forces.
AI and Quantum Technologies: The Future of Defence
Shri Singh stressed that AI and quantum computing are already reshaping modern warfare. Their application in autonomous systems, cyber defence, real-time decision-making, and precision operations is critical to maintaining India’s technological edge.
He urged BEL, other DPSUs, and private industry partners to remain ahead in the global technology race and collaborate with start-ups, academia, and R&D teams for rapid prototyping and agile product development, aligning with the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
Showcasing Innovation and Start-Up Collaboration
BEL presented innovations from its Central Research Laboratories, Centres of Excellence in Electronic Warfare, Photonics, Communication, Radar & Weapon Systems, and the Product Development & Innovation Centre. Start-ups and industry partners also demonstrated advanced indigenous solutions.
Raksha Mantri interacted with young scientists and entrepreneurs, encouraging them to push the boundaries of indigenous defence technology. Officials present included Shri Sanjeev Kumar (Secretary, Defence Production), Shri A Anbarasu (Additional Secretary & DG Acquisition), and Shri Manoj Jain (CMD, BEL).