Bengaluru: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Missile Integration facility at Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru on February 16 and flagged off the Akash 3rd and 4th Regiment Combat systems. He also unveiled the Mountain Fire Control Radar during his visit.
In addition, he remotely inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence in Pune and formally launched BEL’s AI Policy. Senior officials briefed him on advanced indigenous defence technologies and ongoing research activities.
Rajnath Singh reviewed AI-based solutions developed by Indian start-ups. He praised BEL for progress in electronic warfare systems, avionics, naval platforms, electro-optics and tank electronics. According to him, BEL has strengthened network-centric operations through integrated systems and real-time data sharing.
Officials informed him about R&D projects linked to major defence programmes. These include Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile Systems, Light Combat Aircraft Mark II, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, Project Kusha, counter-drone systems and naval weapon control systems. They said indigenous research has enhanced readiness across land, air and naval domains while reducing foreign dependence.
Missile Integration facility boosts indigenous defence push
Rajnath Singh stated that indigenously developed air defence and anti-drone systems effectively neutralised threats during Operation Sindoor. He said advancements in AI-driven threat prediction and early warning systems instill operational confidence in the armed forces.
He stressed that victory achieved with indigenous weapons strengthens national confidence. Therefore, he urged BEL and other defence public sector undertakings to stay ahead in emerging technologies. He highlighted that AI and quantum computing are transforming battlefield decision-making and autonomous operations.
The Raksha Mantri encouraged collaboration between BEL, start-ups, academia and industry partners. He called for rapid prototyping and cross-disciplinary innovation to build world-class products. He said such efforts align with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
During the visit, BEL showcased indigenisation initiatives undertaken by its Central Research Laboratories and various Centres of Excellence. Start-ups and industry partners also displayed their products. Rajnath Singh interacted with young scientists and innovators and motivated them to develop advanced indigenous technologies.
Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, Additional Secretary and DG (Acquisition) A Anbarasu, and BEL Chairman and Managing Director Manoj Jain were present at the event.
