Rajnath Singh Launches Advanced Defence Initiatives at BEL
On February 16, 2026, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh made a significant visit to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru, marking a pivotal moment in India’s defence technology landscape. During his visit, he inaugurated a new Missile Integration facility and flagged off the 3rd and 4th Regiment Combat systems of Akash, in addition to unveiling the Mountain Fire Control Radar. Further emphasizing modern technological advancements, he remotely inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence (CoE-AI) based in Pune and officially launched BEL’s AI Policy.
Advancements in Indigenous Defence Technologies
During this visit, Shri Rajnath Singh was briefed about a host of cutting-edge indigenous defence technologies, including AI-driven solutions developed by Indian start-ups. He praised BEL for its progress in pioneering technologies such as electronic warfare systems, avionics, naval platforms, and tank electronics, noting, “BEL has strengthened network-centric operations. Its integrated systems and real-time data sharing capabilities have significantly enhanced our combat effectiveness.”
Highlighting Research and Development Efforts
Singh was informed about ongoing research and development projects at BEL that align with key national defence initiatives. These include advancements in Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile Systems (QRSAM), the Light Combat Aircraft Mark II (LCA Mk II), and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The Raksha Mantri acknowledged that these indigenous R&D efforts are vital for improving operational readiness across various military domains while diminishing reliance on foreign technologies.
Indigenous Solutions Meeting Global Standards
Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized the successful application of indigenous air defence and counter-drone systems, highlighting their effectiveness during _Operation Sindoor_. He stated, “The advancements in threat prediction and early warning systems instill confidence among our soldiers, reassuring them that a robust scientific and engineering support system is in place.” He underscored the importance of achieving success through indigenous technologies, asserting that self-reliant victories are vital for national confidence.
Encouraging a Future-Oriented Approach
During his remarks, Rajnath Singh pointed out that AI and quantum computing have become essential tools, reshaping battlefield dynamics through real-time decision-making and autonomous systems. He urged BEL and other public sector enterprises to maintain a leading position in the shifting landscape of defence technology. Moreover, he encouraged collaboration among the R&D community at BEL, industry partners, and academia to accelerate product development using advanced technologies.
Showcasing Innovation and Collaboration
The visit also served as a platform to showcase BEL’s initiatives in indigenisation, including activities from its Central Research Laboratories and various Centres of Excellence. The presence of start-ups and industry partners displaying their innovative products underscored the collaborative spirit driving the Indian defence sector.
In a motivating closing interaction, Shri Rajnath Singh engaged with young scientists and start-up representatives, urging them to continue developing advanced indigenous technologies. Prominent figures in attendance included Secretary of Defence Production Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Additional Secretary & DG (Acquisition) Shri A Anbarasu, and BEL’s Chairman & Managing Director Shri Manoj Jain.
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