Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Key Defence Infrastructure in Bengaluru
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a state-of-the-art missile integration facility at defence public sector undertaking Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru on Monday. During the event, he flagged off the Akash 3rd and 4th Regiment combat systems and unveiled the advanced Mountain Fire Control Radar, marking a significant step in India's defence capabilities.
Launch of AI Initiatives and Remote Inaugurations
Singh also remotely inaugurated BEL's Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence (CoE-AI) located in Pune and formally launched the company's comprehensive AI Policy. This move underscores the government's focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies into the defence sector to enhance operational efficiency and innovation.
During his visit, the Defence Minister was briefed on a wide range of indigenous defence technologies, including AI-based solutions developed by Indian start-ups. This briefing highlighted the ongoing efforts to promote innovation and indigenisation within the defence ecosystem, reducing reliance on foreign technologies.
Review of Defence Systems and R&D Progress
Singh reviewed BEL's advancements in various critical areas such as electronic warfare systems, avionics, naval platforms, electro-optics, and tank electronics. He praised BEL's contributions, stating, "BEL has strengthened network-centric operations. Its integrated systems, real-time data sharing, and decision-support capabilities have taken our combat effectiveness to a new level."
Officials provided updates on ongoing research and development projects aligned with major national defence programmes. These include:
- Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile Systems (QRSAM)
- Light Combat Aircraft Mark II (LCA-Mk2)
- Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)
- Project Kusha (MR SAM/LR SAM)
- Counter-drone systems
- Naval weapon control systems
The briefing emphasized that indigenous R&D is enhancing operational preparedness across land, air, naval, and strategic domains, while simultaneously reducing dependence on foreign technologies.
Emphasis on Indigenous Solutions and Global Standards
Singh noted that systems developed for airspace defence and counter-drone operations have demonstrated that Indian solutions can meet global standards. He highlighted the effective use of indigenously developed air defence and anti-drone systems during Operation Sindoor, where they successfully neutralized threats.
He added that advances in AI-driven threat prediction, early warning, and response mechanisms have significantly strengthened operational confidence among soldiers. Emphasizing self-reliance, Singh stated that victories secured with indigenous weapons and technologies reinforce national confidence and strategic autonomy.
Integration of Advanced Technologies in Defence
Singh pointed out that AI and quantum computing are now integral to real-time decision-making, autonomous systems, cyber defence, and precision operations, reshaping battlefield dynamics. He urged BEL, other defence PSUs, and industry partners to remain ahead in emerging technological domains as India works towards becoming a developed nation.
He called on BEL's R&D teams to collaborate with start-ups, industry, and academia for agile product development using AI and autonomous systems. Singh stressed the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration, innovation, and rapid prototyping to deliver globally competitive products aligned with the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
Showcasing Indigenisation Initiatives and Start-up Engagement
Indigenisation initiatives undertaken by BEL's Central Research Laboratories, Centres of Excellence in Electronic Warfare and Photonics, Communication, Radar and Weapon Systems, and its Product Development and Innovation Centre were showcased during the event. Start-ups and industry partners also displayed their products, highlighting the collaborative efforts in defence innovation.
Singh interacted with start-ups and young scientists, encouraging them to develop advanced indigenous technologies. The event was attended by key officials including Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition) A Anbarasu, and BEL Chairman and Managing Director Manoj Jain.
