Indian Army Upgrades Air Defence with Akashteer
India’s air defense capabilities have taken a significant leap forward with Project Akashteer, a cutting-edge technology initiative developed by Bharat Electronics Limited for the Indian Army’s Corps of Army Air Defence. This automated air defense control and reporting system enhances situational awareness, enabling seamless integration and effective operation to monitor low-level airspace and control ground-based air defense weapon systems.
Project Akashteer, aligning with the Army’s ‘Decade of Transformation’ and ‘Year of Tech Absorption,’ seeks to establish a cutting-edge, agile air defence network, effectively countering modern aerial threats.
Akashteer recently underwent successful real-time validation, simulating future warfare scenarios, with a senior military officer in attendance who praised the team’s achievements, acknowledging a transformative leap in India’s air defence capabilities. The system has cutting edge technology and integrated air defence system, providing unparalleled responsiveness and reliability to enhance the Indian Army’s air defence capabilities.
This innovative system seamlessly integrates surveillance assets, radar systems, communication nodes and command and control units into a single network, enabling effective monitoring of low-level airspace and control of ground-based air defence weapon systems.
Project Akashteer achieves comprehensive sensor fusion through a “bottom-up” approach, integrating land-based sensors from the Army Air Defence (AAD) and Indian Air Force (IAF) to provide a unified air picture. This seamless integration enhances coordination and situational awareness across the force, empowering frontline units with timely, critical information.
It’s automation eliminates manual data entry, enabling swift responses to fast-moving aerial threats, crucial given supersonic aircraft cover 18 kilometers per minute.
Project Akashteer’s decentralized engagement authority enables frontline units to swiftly respond to hostile aircraft, minimizing decision-making timelines while preventing friendly-fire incidents, particularly enhancing operational efficiency for Northern and Eastern Command units.
Project Akashteer generates a comprehensive, real-time air picture, integrating data from 3D Tactical Radars, Low-Level Lightweight Radars and Akash Weapon Systems. This multidimensional viewpoint enhances strategic planning and rapid threat response, bolstering India’s air defence capabilities.
The system incorporates robust communication redundancy and scalable architecture, ensuring seamless connectivity and adaptability to emerging technological demands. It’s adaptable design facilitates flexible deployment across various formations, supporting mobile strike operations and hardened, land-based pivot formations.
Project Akashteer’s phased rollout is underway, with 107 systems delivered out of 455 required. Another 105 systems are expected by March 2025, and the remaining units by March 2027, ensuring comprehensive air defence coverage. This initiative solidifies India’s position at the forefront of air defence technology, providing secure airspace and demonstrating the defence forces’ commitment to innovation amidst evolving security dynamics.
