Beyond defence applications, Rai has driven BEL’s diversification into civilian infrastructure
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has appointed Anoop Kumar Rai as its Director (Marketing), effective August 13, 2026. Rai, who has over 34 years of experience, previously served as Executive Director of BEL’s Central Research Laboratory (CRL), Ghaziabad, a position he held since 2025 after serving as Chief Scientist.
Rai has played a key role in developing indigenous defence technologies, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), unmanned systems, C4I2SR, and autonomous warfare solutions. He spearheaded the development of ‘Saksham’, an AI-powered drone warfare system developed in collaboration with the Army Air Defence. The system uses Edge AI for real-time threat detection and autonomous interception.
He was also involved in conceptualising the AI-based Command Information & Decision Support System (CIDSS) and integrating AI into systems for predictive maintenance and automated anomaly detection.
Rai has contributed to major defence programmes, including the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), which integrates systems such as the S-400 and MRSAM. He also played a role in the deployment of ‘Sanjay’ Battle Management System (BSS) and ‘Akashteer’ Air Defence Control and Reporting System (ADC&RS). He led the indigenisation of NC3I, replacing foreign OEM systems with indigenous solutions.
Beyond defence applications, Rai has driven BEL’s diversification into civilian infrastructure. During his tenure at CRL-Ghaziabad, the laboratory developed solutions including an indigenous Air Traffic Management Automation System, KAVACH 4.0 for railway safety, AI-assisted CIKMS (SURAKSHA), and SIL2-certified metro solutions, including Automatic Train Supervision systems developed with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.
Under his leadership, CRL-Ghaziabad achieved CMMI Level 5 certification and India’s first SIL2 certification. He also introduced an AI-enabled 6E Framework—Enquire, Envision, Elaborate, Enable, Execute and Excel—to strengthen technology development and innovation.
Rai has received the Raksha Mantri’s Excellence Award for innovation and technology and a commendation from the Chief of Naval Staff. His contributions have also supported BEL-Ghaziabad in receiving several industry recognitions, including the CII Business Exim Award, Urban Infra Business Award, and Governance Now PSU Award.
In his new role as Director (Marketing), Rai is expected to leverage his experience in defence technologies, AI, unmanned systems and technology indigenisation to strengthen BEL’s marketing strategy, customer engagement, exports and global outreach.
