The Indian Army has started deploying the indigenous Akashteer system to boost its air defence capabilities, according to sources in the force. The automated air defence control and reporting system will allow the army’s air defence units to operate in an integrated manner. It will also enable forces to monitor low-level airspace over battle areas and effectively control the ground-based air defence weapon systems.
“The deployment of Akashteer began on 4th April, with the flagging off of the first batch of control centres from BEL Ghaziabad. It is a significant move towards enhancing India’s defence capabilities and technology absorption,” said one of the officials. He added that digitising the entire process will enhance the operational efficiency and integration of the army’s air defence mechanisms.
The ‘Akashteer Control and Reporting Systems’ came almost a year after the Defence Ministry signed a Rs. 1,982-crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to boost the Indian army’s air defence capabilities with the new system.
“The Induction of Akashteer is one of the major milestones achieved by the Indian Army on its path to transformation, which will meet the current and futuristic requirements of complex air defence operations,” the official said.
The Indian Army announced its intentions to establish specialised Army Design Bureau (ADB) cells at various command headquarters to enhance their ongoing drive towards self-reliance. The aim of this organizational restructuring is to incorporate niche technology for capability development. As per officials, the Akashteer project is designed to integrate radar and communication systems into a unified network, providing unprecedented situational awareness and control. This will enable the swift engagement of hostile targets, significantly reduce the risk of fratricide, and ensure the safety of friendly aircraft in contested airspace.
One of Akashteer’s unique aspects is its emphasis on mobility and resilience. The system’s control centres, which are vehicle-based, are designed to maintain operational capabilities even in challenging communication environments. As the first official highlighted, this system will facilitate the complete automation of air defence operations and significantly enhance India’s air defence posture.
The Indian Army has highlighted that it has declared 2024 the “Year of Tech Absorption” and is undertaking various initiatives to induct niche technology and systems into its inventory.
Ravi Shankar
