Akashteer

{{Short description|India's Automated Air Defence Control & Reporting System}}

{{pp-extended|small=yes}} {{Infobox weapon | name = Akashteer | image = Akashteer C4ISR.png | image_size = 300 | alt = | caption = Akashteer C4ISR | type = Air defence system | origin = India | is_ranged = | is_bladed = | is_explosive = | is_artillery = | is_vehicle = Yes | is_missile = | is_UK =  | service = 2024 – present | used_by = Corps of Army Air Defence<ref name="TW">{{cite news |title=Army starts induction of Akashteer system to enhance air defence posture |url=https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2024/04/04/del128-def-army-ld-technology.html |access-date=28 April 2024 |work=The Week |language=en}}</ref> | wars = 2025 India–Pakistan conflict | designer = Bharat Electronics <br />DRDO <br />ISRO | design_date = | manufacturer = Bharat Electronics | unit_cost = | production_date = 4 April 2024<ref name="TW" /> | number = 107 | variants =  | spec_label = | mass = | length = | part_length = | width = | height = | diameter = | crew = | passengers =  | cartridge = | cartridge_weight = | caliber = | barrels = | action = | rate = | velocity = | range = | max_range = | feed = | sights =  | breech = | recoil = | carriage = | elevation = | traverse =  | blade_type = | hilt_type = | sheath_type = | head_type = | haft_type =  | filling = | filling_weight = | detonation = | yield =  | armour = | primary_armament = | secondary_armament = | engine = | engine_power = | pw_ratio = | payload_capacity = | drive = | transmission = | suspension = | clearance = | fuel_capacity = | vehicle_range = | speed = | guidance = | steering =  | wingspan = | propellant = | ceiling = | altitude = | boost = | depth = | accuracy = | launch_platform = | transport =  | ref = }}

'''''Akashteer''''' ({{Lit|Sky Arrow}})<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=R Anil |date=2025-05-13 |title=AkashTeer: India’s game-changer that has left US, China, and the world stunned |url=https://www.indiastrategic.in/akashteer-indias-game-changer-that-has-left-us-china-and-the-world-stunned/ |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=India Strategic |language=en-US}}</ref> is an AI-enabled,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhattacharjee |first=Saptadeepa |date=2025-08-09 |title=Operation Sindoor proves India can defend borders with Indigenous tech and BrahMos power, says DRDO chief |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/operation-sindoor-proves-india-can-defend-borders-with-indigenous-tech-and-brahmos-power-says-drdo-chief-2025-08-09-1002796 |access-date=2025-08-22 |website=India TV News |language=en}}</ref> fully automated '''Air Defence Control & Reporting System''', which is designed, developed and manufactured by Bharat Electronics in collaboration with Defence Research and Development Organisation and Indian Space Research Organisation.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-05-14 |title=BEL’s air-defence system Akashteer deployed during Operation Sindoor |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/operation-sindhoor-utilises-bels-air-defence-system-akashteer/article69575012.ece |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=BusinessLine |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-05-23 |title=Akashteer shifts battlefield balance: India’s indigenous air defence system proves decisive in Operation Sindoor |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/akashteer-shifts-battlefield-balance-indias-indigenous-air-defence-proves-decisive-in-operation-sindoor/articleshow/121357278.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2025-08-22 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> By providing tactical command and control, it enhances the capability of the Indian Army's Corps of Army Air Defence. Akashteer makes it possible to effectively handle ground-based air defense weapon systems and monitor low-level airspace in combat zones.<ref>{{cite news |title=Army inducts indigenous Akashteer system |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/army-inducts-indigenous-akashteer-system-9252224/ |access-date=28 April 2024 |work=The Indian Express |date=5 April 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="HT">{{cite news |title=Army begins induction of Akashteer system to sharpen air defence posture |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/army-begins-induction-of-akashteer-system-to-sharpen-air-defence-posture-101712238995413.html |access-date=28 April 2024 |work=Hindustan Times |date=4 April 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Air Defence Control and Reporting System (ADC&RS) |url=https://bel-india.in/product/air-defence-control-and-reporting-system-adcrs/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=BEL |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-05-16 |title=Operation Sindoor: Akashteer leads AI-driven strikes on terror launch pads - |url=https://www.newsonair.gov.in/operation-sindoor-akashteer-leads-ai-driven-strikes-on-terror-launch-pads/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250524072538/https://www.newsonair.gov.in/operation-sindoor-akashteer-leads-ai-driven-strikes-on-terror-launch-pads/ |archive-date=2025-05-24 |access-date=2025-07-06 |work=All India Radio |language=en-US |url-status=live }}</ref> The Akashteer is similar to the US Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System.<ref name="ET">{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/in-operation-sindoor-akashteer-played-the-most-crucial-role-army-explains-how-it-struck-down-every-drone-with-100-kill-rate/articleshow/121274743.cms|title=In Operation Sindoor, 'Akashteer' played the most crucial role: Army explains how it struck down every drone with 100% kill rate|language=en|date=19 May 2025|access-date=20 May 2025|work=Economic Times}}</ref>

To improve air defense jointness, the Akashteer is connected to the Air Force's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) and the Navy's Trigun system. This allows the Joint Air Defence Centre (JADC) to access Army sensors through Akashteer, Air Force sensors and civilian radars through IACCS, and naval ship-based sensors through Trigun. IAF will be responsible for the JADC. While integration for additional sites is still under progress, one site is fully integrated as of January 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Deshpande |first1=Smruti |last2=ThePrint |date=2025-01-15 |title=How IAF, Army are moving towards jointness with integration of air defence systems |url=https://theprint.in/defence/how-iaf-army-are-moving-towards-jointness-with-integration-of-air-defence-systems/2445411/?amp |access-date=2025-01-15 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Anand |first=Akriti |date=2025-05-19 |title=How India's Air Defence system saved Amritsar's Golden Temple from Pakistani missile |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/how-indias-air-defence-system-saved-amritsars-golden-temple-from-pakistani-missile-11747632907828.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250521200342/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/how-indias-air-defence-system-saved-amritsars-golden-temple-from-pakistani-missile-11747632907828.html |archive-date=2025-05-21 |access-date=2025-07-06 |work=mint |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

== History == On 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 {{INRConvert|1982|c|lk=on|0}} is known as 'Project Akashteer', which strives to provide situational awareness and control for the military to guarantee the safety of allied aircraft and confront enemy aircraft in challenging airspace.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-29 |title=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... |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1911937 |access-date=2024-11-14 |website=Press Information Bureau}}</ref><ref name="HT" /><ref>{{cite news |title=MoD signs three contracts worth ₹5,400 crore, including satellite for Army |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mod-signs-three-contracts-worth-5400-crore-including-satellite-for-army/article66676178.ece |access-date=28 April 2024 |work=The Hindu |date=29 March 2023 |language=en-IN}}</ref>

By 30 September 2024, BEL delivered the entire 100 units of Akashteer system to the Indian Army.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-10-03 |title=India's Air Defence Strengthens with Akashteer Systems for the Army |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-indias-air-defence-strengthens-with-akashteer-systems-for-the-army-3629848/ |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=2024-11-12 |title=Akashteer: Transforming India's air defence with cutting-edge technology |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/akashteer-transforming-indias-air-defence-with-cutting-edge-technology/articleshow/115218211.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-11-13 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-13 |title=Akashteer: A leap in India's air defence modernisation |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence/akashteer-a-leap-in-indias-air-defence-modernisation/3664129/ |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}</ref>

In November 2024, it was reported that the Indian Army conducted validation trials of Akashteer simulating scenarios as expected in future wars.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=2024-11-12 |title=Akashteer: Transforming India's air defence with cutting-edge technology |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/akashteer-transforming-indias-air-defence-with-cutting-edge-technology/articleshow/115218211.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-11-17 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-13 |title=Akashteer: A leap in India's air defence modernisation |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence/akashteer-a-leap-in-indias-air-defence-modernisation/3664129/ |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}</ref>

On 27 March 2026, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by the Defence Minister, cleared the development of the Air Defence Tracked System, a tracked variant to provide real time Air Defence Control and Reporting capability.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=DAC clears proposals worth Rs 2.38 lakh crore to augment defence capabilities |date=2026-03-27 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2246125&reg=3&lang=1 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref>

==Functions== [[File:Akashteer.png|thumb|BEL's Tactical Control Radar Reporter]] The 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.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-04-05 |title=What is the new 'Akashteer Command and Control Systems' and how will it enhance India's air defences |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/what-is-the-new-akashteer-command-and-control-systems-and-how-will-it-enhance-indias-air-defences/articleshow/109067258.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-05-05 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-04-04 |title=Indian Army boosts air defence capabilities with 'Akashteer Control and Reporting Systems' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-army-boosts-air-defence-capabilities-with-akashteer-control-and-reporting-systems/articleshow/109041273.cms |access-date=2024-10-05 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The sensors integrated include 3D Tactical Radars, Low-Level Lightweight Radars, the Akash Weapon System and QRSAM. 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.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Srinivasan |first=Chandrashekar |date=15 August 2025 |title=Sudarshan Chakra' To Protect Our Skies. India's 'Iron Dome' Explained |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modi-independence-day-speech-sudarshan-chakra-indias-iron-dome-operation-sindoor-9090904 |access-date=15 August 2025 |work=ndtv.com}}</ref>

Akashteer is a system-of-systems with zero dependencies on foreign satellites or components. The system included locally developed AI processors and battlefield nodes, zero-latency integration of ISRO's Earth observation satellites, precision mapping of NavIC, and self-updating command grids for dynamic targeting by removing human-delay loop. Using information from multiple sources, the edge-AI war-cloud makes judgments in real time, reroutes missions, and launches attacks on its own. Akashteer system substitutes conventional ground command centers, allows decentralized plug-and-fight combat using a laptop, and can be field deployed from trucks, jeeps, or mobile units. It can defend and strike an area of about 300 kilometers. On the basis of real-time data, Akashteer can self-reprogram drone swarms that are armed with reconnaissance kits, jammers, and 5–10 kg explosives.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Biswas |first=Samannay |date=2025-05-13 |title=Stuns US, China & Pakistan - What Is India's AI Powered AkashTeer? |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/stuns-us-china-pakistan-what-is-indias-ai-powered-akashteer-article-151622430 |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=Times Now |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2025-05-12 |title=Sky Wars Rewritten: How AkashTeer Catapulted India Into the Elite League of Military Tech |url=https://the420.in/akashteer-india-ai-drone-satellite-warfare-drdo-isro-bel/ |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=The420.in |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Anand (Retd) |first=Major-General Pawan |date=2025-05-27 |title=India’s 'Akashteer' air defence system: An indigenous game-changer in modern warfare |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/defence/2025/05/27/indias-akashteer-air-defence-system-an-indigenous-game-changer-in-modern-warfare.html |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref>

Using satellite imagery, AI analytics, and stealth-based surveillance, Akashteer has the ability to monitor hostile drones without the need of active radar. Through accurate target verification and inter-unit coordination, the system also averts friendly fire.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Ashish Kumar |date=2025-05-14 |title=What Is Akashteer? India's AI-Powered Air Defence System Stuns World After Blindsiding Pakistani Drones |url=https://world.newsx.com/india/what-is-akashteer-indias-ai-powered-air-defence-system-stuns-world-after-blindsiding-pakistani-drones/ |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=NewsX World |language=en}}</ref> It will integrate with Mission Sudarshan Chakra.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dutta |first=Amrita Nayak |date=2025-08-25 |title=DRDO successfully tests indigenous air defence system, advancing ‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra’ goals for 2035 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/drdo-air-defence-system-mission-sudarshan-chakra-10208827/ |access-date=2025-09-09 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> By classifying airspace users in a conflict zone as friendly, neutral, or hostile, the Akashteer aids SAKSHAM in improving situational awareness.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Mayank |date=2025-10-09 |title=Indian Army begins induction of ‘Saksham’ counter-unmanned aerial threat grid system |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Oct/09/indian-army-begins-induction-of-saksham-counter-unmanned-aerial-threat-grid-system |access-date=2025-12-21 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

== Service history == The Indian Army inducted Akashteer in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-17 |title=Akashteer, India's automated air defence control and reporting system, redefines modern warfare |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/defence/2025/05/16/akashteer-indias-automated-air-defence-control-and-reporting-system-redefines-modern-warfare.html |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref> It was part of India's Air Defence Network during Operation Sindoor where the system effectively foiled multiple of Pakistan's drone and missile attacks.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-16 |title=For Pak, India's Air Defence Network Is A 'Never Seen Before' Disruptive Tech: 10 Points |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-for-pakistan-indian-air-defence-network-is-a-never-seen-before-disruptive-technology-8428608 |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=ndtv.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-05-16 |title=Akashteer: How India's indigenous 'Iron Dome' swatted Pakistan drones from the sky - all you need to know |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/akashteer-how-indias-indigenous-iron-dome-swatted-pakistan-drones-from-the-sky-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/121215783.cms |access-date=2025-05-16 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-05-16 |title=Akashteer: The Unseen Force Behind India’s New War Capability |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2129132 |access-date=2025-05-18 |work=Press Information Bureau}}</ref> Throughout the conflict, it intercepted drones, missiles, micro-UAVs, and loitering munitions. It also made sure that the lowest operating Army Air Defense unit had a consistent and seamless air situation picture, which improved situational awareness throughout the force.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 May 2025 |title=BEL's Akashteer air defence system proves its mettle amid conflict, creating "hell for Pakistan's air adventures" |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/bels-akashteer-air-defence-system-proves-its-mettle-amid-conflict-creating-hell-for-pakistans-air-adventures20250514144318/ |access-date=6 July 2025 |work=ANI}}</ref> It was reported that it "struck down every drone with a 100% kill rate".<ref name="ET"/><ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-05-31 |title=Bayraktar busted: Pakistan’s drone fiasco-How Indian radars exposed Turkish tech |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bayraktar-busted-pakistans-drone-fiasco-how-indian-radars-exposed-turkish-tech/articleshow/121519222.cms |access-date=2025-07-06 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> It is India's first AI war-cloud in operation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Dimple |date=2025-05-16 |title=Explained: How India’s Akashteer system foiled Pakistani drone strikes |url=https://www.news9live.com/india/explained-how-indias-akashteer-system-foiled-pakistani-drone-strikes-2853661 |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=News9live |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Operators == {{Flag|India}}

* {{Army|IND}} - 107 in service. Total 455 on order.<ref name=":2" />

==See also== {{Portal|India|}} *Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System - American equivalent *List of regiments and corps of the Indian Army *List of equipment of the Indian Army *Mission Sudarshan Chakra - proposed multi-layer defense system for India *SAKSHAM - command & control (Indian Army)

==References== {{Reflist}}

Category:Air defense Category:Anti-aircraft warfare Category:Army air defence