New Delhi: Anoop Kumar Rai has assumed charge as Director (Marketing) of Navratna defence public sector undertaking Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) on August 13. Prior to this, he was serving as Executive Director of BEL’s Central Research Laboratory (CRL), Ghaziabad, since 2025. Prior to this, he served as Chief Scientist at the laboratory.
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Rai has over 34 years of experience in defence and niche technologies.
In his new role, Rai is expected to drive BEL’s marketing strategy, strengthen customer engagement and expand the company’s global outreach, leveraging his experience in defence systems, Artificial Intelligence (AI), unmanned systems and indigenous technology development.
During his tenure at CRL-Ghaziabad, Rai played a key role in advancing BEL’s capabilities in AI and autonomous systems. He spearheaded the development of ‘Saksham’, an AI-powered drone warfare system developed in collaboration with the Army Air Defence. The counter-drone and interception system uses Edge-AI for real-time threat detection and autonomous neutralisation.
He was also involved in the conceptualisation of the AI-based Command Information & Decision Support System (CIDSS), besides initiatives involving AI-enabled predictive maintenance and automated anomaly detection. His work also included exploring AI applications for Space Situational Awareness.
Rai has contributed to the conceptualisation and deployment of advanced technologies under the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) project, which integrates systems including S-400 and MRSAM. He also played a role in the deployment of systems such as ‘Sanjay’ Battle Management System and ‘Akashteer’ Air Defence Control and Reporting System.
Another significant contribution has been the indigenisation of NC3I systems, replacing foreign original equipment manufacturer systems with indigenous solutions. Under his leadership, BEL also expanded its international footprint in coastal surveillance systems, with exports to countries including the Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius.
Beyond defence, Rai has driven BEL’s diversification into AI-enabled civilian infrastructure. CRL-Ghaziabad developed several indigenous solutions under his guidance, including an Air Traffic Management Automation System for Bhubaneswar Airport, KAVACH 4.0 for Indian Railways and AI-assisted CIKMS (SURAKSHA).
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The laboratory also developed SIL2-certified metro solutions, including an indigenous Automatic Train Supervision system for the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation in collaboration with DMRC.
Under Rai’s stewardship, CRL-Ghaziabad achieved CMMI Level 5 certification and India’s first SIL2 certification. He also institutionalised an AI-enabled 6E framework, Enquire, Envision, Elaborate, Enable, Execute and Excel, aimed at promoting continuous innovation and systematic technology development.
Rai has received the Raksha Mantri’s Excellence Award for innovation and technology and a commendation from the Chief of Naval Staff. His contributions also supported BEL-Ghaziabad in securing the CII Business Exim Award in 2022. He has additionally received the Urban Infra Business Award for Rail and Metro innovation and the Governance Now PSU Award in 2024 for excellence in research and development.
With his extensive experience in defence technologies, AI, C4I2SR, unmanned systems and technology indigenisation, Rai’s appointment is expected to support BEL’s efforts to expand its market presence and strengthen its position as a provider of indigenous defence and strategic technology solutions.
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