Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) inaugurated a Missile Integration facility at its Bengaluru premises on 16 February 2026 and flagged off the Akash 3rd and 4th Regiment Combat Systems while unveiling the Mountain Fire Control Radar. The company also remotely inaugurated a Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence (CoE-AI) in Pune and formally launched its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy during the visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The minister was briefed on advanced indigenous defence technologies, including AI-based solutions developed by Indian start-ups, as well as ongoing research and development activities aligned with national defence programmes. These include 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 and Naval Weapon Control Systems.
“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,” Singh said during the visit. He was apprised that indigenous R&D initiatives are aimed at enhancing operational preparedness across land, air, naval and strategic domains while reducing dependence on foreign technologies.
“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,” Singh said.
The minister also highlighted the growing role of AI and quantum computing in real-time decision-making, autonomous systems, cyber defence and precision operations, and encouraged collaboration between BEL, start-ups, industry and academia for agile product development.
During the visit, indigenisation initiatives undertaken by BEL’s Central Research Laboratories, Centres of Excellence in Electronics Warfare and Photonics, Communication, Radar and Weapon Systems, and the Product Development and Innovation Centre were showcased. Start-ups and industry partners exhibited their products as part of the briefing.
Bharat Electronics Limited is a defence public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence engaged in the design, development and manufacture of electronic systems and equipment for the Indian armed forces and other sectors.
