Indian Army Inducts AI-Driven Command System ‘SAKSHAM’ to Counter Drone Threats

In a decisive step toward securing India’s low-altitude airspace, the Indian Army has initiated the induction of the indigenous ‘SAKSHAM’ Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) — a cutting-edge, AI-powered command and control platform developed in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad.

The system is designed to enhance the Army’s airspace situational awareness and drone defence capabilities, marking a major stride in the ongoing effort to indigenise next-generation battlefield technologies under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Strengthening Indigenous Air Defence

SAKSHAM (Situational Awareness for Kinetic Soft and Hard Kill Assets Management) represents a strategic leap in counter-UAS warfare, integrating detection, tracking, identification, and neutralisation functions into a unified digital architecture.

The move follows critical lessons from Operation Sindoor, which exposed the growing challenge of hostile UAV activity and highlighted the need for real-time, layered air defence solutions across forward areas.

From Tactical Battle Area to Tactical Battlefield Space

The Army’s experience in recent operations prompted a doctrinal shift from the Tactical Battle Area (TBA) to a broader Tactical Battlefield Space (TBS) — encompassing the Air Littoral, or airspace up to 3,000 metres (10,000 feet) above ground level.

This domain, once considered peripheral, is now recognised as a contested operational layer requiring constant monitoring and control. SAKSHAM is engineered precisely to dominate this layer, bridging the gap between ground-based air defence and real-time aerial surveillance.

Inside SAKSHAM: The Technology Backbone

Operating seamlessly over the Army Data Network (ADN), SAKSHAM acts as a centralised command node integrating inputs from multiple sensors, radars, and weapon systems.

Key features include:

• Real-time detection and tracking of UAVs and aerial objects across the battlespace.
• AI-driven threat evaluation for predictive response and faster decision-making.
• Soft- and hard-kill coordination, synchronising jammers and kinetic interceptors.
• GIS-based visualisation for dynamic mapping and engagement planning.
• Modular, scalable architecture adaptable to future threat evolution.

BEL’s Role and System Integration

The system’s development is led by BEL’s Ghaziabad unit, a key player in India’s defence electronics ecosystem. Its modular design ensures interoperability with existing networks, such as the Akasheer air picture system, enhancing coverage and target identification.

SAKSHAM’s architecture allows seamless fusion of sensor data, creating a unified airspace awareness picture that can be shared across formations — positioning it as a core enabler of the Army’s integrated air defence grid.

Fast-Track Induction

Recognising the urgency of countering low-cost aerial threats, the Army has approved the system under the Fast Track Procurement (FTP) route. Deployment across operational sectors is planned within the next 12 months, underscoring the priority accorded to drone defence in current threat environments.

Once fielded, SAKSHAM will serve as the central hub for managing aerial security, empowering commanders with real-time data and rapid engagement options.

Securing the Air Littoral

The proliferation of drones has blurred the lines between civilian and military airspace, creating new vulnerabilities — from cross-border intrusions to attacks on forward bases and critical assets.

SAKSHAM’s multi-layered architecture creates a digital dome of protection, providing early warning and engagement capabilities that are both indigenous and tailored to India’s unique operational conditions.

“SAKSHAM reflects the Army’s transition toward self-reliant, AI-enabled command systems capable of dominating both ground and airspace dimensions of modern warfare,” a senior defence official stated.

Strategic Impact

The induction of SAKSHAM forms a cornerstone of the Indian Army’s Decade of Transformation (2023–2032), strengthening its ability to maintain control over the Air Littoral and counter the growing threat of unmanned systems used by adversaries.

By reducing its dependence on imported technologies and embedding AI-driven decision-making tools into its operational framework, the Army is laying the foundation for networked, multi-domain operations — ensuring dominance in both defensive and offensive missions.

Team BharatShakti