Akashteer is an Indian Air Defence Control & Reporting System developed by Bharat Electronics Limited to equip the units of Indian Army's Corps of Army Air Defence with a tactical command and control system, therefore improving their capabilities. This state-of-the-art technology will enable seamless integration and effective operation, allowing for monitoring of low level airspace in battle areas and efficient control of Ground Based Air Defence Weapon Systems.[2][3][4]
Akashteer | |
---|---|
Type | Air defence system |
Place of origin | India |
Service history | |
Used by | Corps of Army Air Defence[1] |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | Bharat Electronics |
Produced | 4 April 2024[1] |
No. built | 107 |
History
editOn 29 March 2023, the Ministry of Defence further strengthened the concept of atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in the defence sector by entering into a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad. This contract valued at ₹1,982 crore (US$237 million) is known as 'Project Akashteer', which strives to provide an unparalleled degree of situational awareness and control for the military to guarantee the safety of allied aircraft and confront enemy aircraft in challenging airspace.[5][3][6]
By 30 September 2024, BEL delivered the entire 100 units of Akashteer system to the Indian Army.[7] As of November 2024, 107 units were delivered with another 105 units planned by March 2025. The Army will receive the entire order for 455 units by April 2027.[8][9]
In November 2024, it was reported that the Indian Army conducted validation trials of Akashteer simulating scenarios as expected in future wars.[10][11]
Functions
editThe Akashteer system integrates the entire surveillance assets, radar systems, communication nodes and other command and control units of the Indian Army's Air Defence networks into a single network to enhance the situational awareness. The system is vehicle-based which makes it mobile and easier to handle in hostile environment. The system automates the entire air defence mechanism enhancing the response mechanism to any threats.[7][12] It is anticipated that this integration will reduce the possibility of friendly fire, enabling quick engagement of hostile targets, and guarantee friendly aircraft safety in contested airspace.[13] The sensors integrated include 3D Tactical Radars, Low-Level Lightweight Radars, and the Akash Weapon System. This would ensure a seamless and unified air picture accessible to the lowest operational units of the Army Air Defence (AD), which enhances coordination and situational awareness across the force. Akashteer increases automation and efficiency by eliminating human inputs and decentralising.[10]
Operators
edit- Indian Army - 107 in service. Total 455 on order.[8]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "Army starts induction of Akashteer system to enhance air defence posture". The Week. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ "Army inducts indigenous Akashteer system". The Indian Express. 5 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ a b "Army begins induction of Akashteer system to sharpen air defence posture". Hindustan Times. 4 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ "Air Defence Control and Reporting System (ADC&RS)". BEL. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
- ^ "Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks two contracts with BEL, worth Rs 2,400 crore, for procurement of Automated Air Defence Control & Reporting System 'Project Akashteer' for Indian Army..." Press Information Bureau. 2023-03-29. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
- ^ "MoD signs three contracts worth ₹5,400 crore, including satellite for Army". The Hindu. 29 March 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ a b "India's Air Defence Strengthens with Akashteer Systems for the Army". Financialexpress. 2024-10-03. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ^ a b "Akashteer: Transforming India's air defence with cutting-edge technology". The Economic Times. 2024-11-12. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "Akashteer: A leap in India's air defence modernisation". Financialexpress. 2024-11-13. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ a b "Akashteer: Transforming India's air defence with cutting-edge technology". The Economic Times. 2024-11-12. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
- ^ "Akashteer: A leap in India's air defence modernisation". Financialexpress. 2024-11-13. Retrieved 2024-11-15.
- ^ "What is the new 'Akashteer Command and Control Systems' and how will it enhance India's air defences". The Economic Times. 2024-04-05. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
- ^ "Indian Army boosts air defence capabilities with 'Akashteer Control and Reporting Systems'". The Times of India. 2024-04-04. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-10-05.