India’s indigenous defence capabilities received a significant boost as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a state-of-the-art Missile Integration Facility at Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru on February 16, 2026. The visit underscored the government’s focus on strengthening domestic defence manufacturing, accelerating technological innovation, and advancing self-reliance in critical military systems.
During the event, the Raksha Mantri flagged off the Akash 3rd and 4th Regiment Combat Systems and unveiled the Mountain Fire Control Radar, marking key milestones in India’s expanding air defence architecture. He also remotely inaugurated BEL’s Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Pune and formally launched the company’s AI Policy, reflecting a strategic push toward next-generation warfare technologies.
Strengthening Missile Integration and Air Defence
The newly inaugurated Missile Integration Facility is expected to significantly enhance BEL’s production capabilities by enabling faster assembly and integration of advanced missile systems. The facility will streamline manufacturing processes and improve delivery timelines, reinforcing India’s preparedness to meet emerging security challenges.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the flagging off of the Akash 3rd and 4th Regiment Combat Systems. The Akash Missile System is a medium-range surface-to-air missile developed indigenously to counter aerial threats such as fighter aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. With the induction of additional regiments, India’s air defence network becomes more robust and responsive, strengthening its ability to safeguard strategic assets and borders.
The unveiling of the Mountain Fire Control Radar further complements the air defence ecosystem by enhancing target detection and tracking in challenging terrains. Designed for high-altitude and mountainous operations, the radar will support precision engagement and improve operational effectiveness in sensitive regions.
Embracing Artificial Intelligence in Defence
Artificial Intelligence emerged as a central theme of the Defence Minister’s address. The remote inauguration of BEL’s Centre of Excellence for AI in Pune signals a concerted effort to integrate intelligent systems into military applications. The newly launched AI Policy outlines a roadmap for leveraging AI-driven tools in areas such as threat assessment, predictive analytics, and automated decision-making.
Rajnath Singh emphasized that technologies like AI and quantum computing are reshaping the nature of warfare. He noted that modern battlefields demand rapid analysis of vast data streams, real-time coordination, and enhanced situational awareness. AI-enabled systems, he said, will improve early warning mechanisms, operational confidence, and mission outcomes.
The Centre of Excellence is expected to foster collaboration among researchers, industry experts, start-ups, and academic institutions, accelerating innovation in defence electronics and autonomous systems.
Advancing Indigenous R&D and Strategic Projects
During his visit, the Defence Minister was briefed on several advanced indigenous programmes that are currently under development. These include the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM), the Light Combat Aircraft Mk II (LCA Mk II), the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), and Project Kusha (MR SAM/LR SAM). Progress in counter-drone technologies and naval weapon control systems was also highlighted.
Rajnath Singh praised BEL’s role in strengthening network-centric operations through integrated systems and seamless data sharing across platforms. Indigenous air defence and anti-drone systems, he noted, have already demonstrated their effectiveness in recent operations, reinforcing confidence in homegrown technologies.
Vision of Self-Reliance and Viksit Bharat 2047
The Defence Minister reiterated the importance of self-reliance in defence production as part of India’s broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He called for faster prototyping, cross-disciplinary innovation, and deeper collaboration between public sector enterprises, private industry, start-ups, and academia.
Highlighting the strategic value of indigenous systems, he stated that victories achieved through domestic capabilities enhance national confidence and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. Strengthening defence manufacturing, he added, is not only a matter of security but also a driver of technological advancement and economic growth.
As one of India’s leading defence public sector undertakings, Bharat Electronics Limited continues to play a pivotal role in developing radars, communication networks, electronic warfare systems, and missile technologies. The expansion of its infrastructure and integration of AI-driven solutions mark a decisive step toward building a future-ready, technologically advanced defence ecosystem.
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