Minister Inaugurates BEL Missile Integration Facility
New Delhi, Feb 16
- Remotely inaugurates Centre of Excellence for AI in Pune; Formally unveils BEL’s AI Policy
- Rajnath Singh briefed on advanced indigenous defence tech & ongoing R&D activities
- RM praises BEL for strengthening network-centric operations & taking combat effectiveness to a new level
“Indigenous air defence & anti-drone systems effectively neutralised threats during Op Sindoor, Advancements through AI instills operational confidence in defence forces”
“Domestic industry must stay ahead in technology race to achieve Viksit Bharat goal”
Rajnath Singh, on February 16, 2026, visited the Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru, and inaugurated the Missile Integration facility at the premises, besides flagging-off the Akash 3rd and 4th Regiment Combat systems & unveiling the Mountain Fire Control Radar. He also remotely inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence (CoE-AI) located in Pune, and formally launched the company’s AI Policy.
The minister was briefed on a range of advanced indigenous defence technologies, including AI-based solutions developed by Indian start-ups, highlighting the growing emphasis on innovation and indigenisation in the defence ecosystem. He commended BEL for making headway in cutting-edge technologies such as electronic warfare systems, avionics, naval platforms, electro-optics, and tank electronics. “BEL has strengthened the network-centric operations. Its integrated systems, real-time data sharing, and decision support capabilities have taken our combat effectiveness to a new level,” he said.
Rajnath Singh was apprised of the ongoing R&D activities at BEL aligned with major national defence programmes, including the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile Systems (QRSAM), Light Combat Aircraft Mark II (LCA Mk II), Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), Project Kusha (MR SAM/LR SAM), Counter Drone Systems, Naval Weapon Control Systems, etc. The briefing highlighted that indigenous R&D initiatives are enhancing operational preparedness across land, air, naval, and strategic domains, while reducing dependence on foreign technologies. The Minister acknowledged the fact that the systems developed in airspace defence, and counter-drone operations have demonstrated that India’s indigenous solutions can meet global standards.
“The advancement in threat prediction, early warning, and response mechanisms using AI instills operational confidence in our soldiers. They’re assured that a strong scientific and engineering ecosystem always stands with them,” he added. He underlined the importance of achieving victory with indigenous weapons and technologies in today’s times, stating that only a self-reliant win gives the country renewed confidence.
