Thursday, 11 Sep, 2025
Image Courtesy: Bharat Electronics Limited
Akashteer is an indigenously developed, AI-driven air defence system created through a collaborative effort by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
In a landmark moment for India’s defence capabilities, the indigenously developed Akashteer air defence system played a decisive role in repelling one of the most intense and coordinated aerial assaults launched by Pakistan in recent years.
On the night of May 9 and 10, as waves of drones and missiles targeted key Indian military and civilian infrastructure, the Akashteer system quietly took command. Functioning as the backbone of India’s air defence network, the automated control and reporting system intercepted and neutralised every incoming threat with precision, delivering results not with dramatic firepower, but through silent, seamless coordination.
Developed under the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, Akashteer showcased its battlefield readiness in live combat conditions. The system integrates multiple radar and sensor inputs to detect, track, and respond to threats in real time, enabling swift, autonomous decision-making without human delay or error.
Its success stands in stark contrast to Pakistan’s reliance on imported Chinese defence platforms such as the HQ-9 and HQ-16, which, according to reports, faltered during India’s recent Operation Sindoor. Indian forces, demonstrating unmatched speed and cohesion, leveraged Akashteer’s advanced battlefield intelligence to stay several steps ahead of enemy action, underscoring the strategic edge provided by homegrown defence innovation.
Akashteer represents more than just a technological advancement, it signals a fundamental transformation in India’s military approach. Moving away from traditional, reactive defence strategies, the country has embraced a proactive, technology-centric model of warfare readiness. By delivering a unified, real-time aerial threat picture to all operational units from command centres to frontline defence batteries, Akashteer enables swift and accurate engagement with hostile targets, all while safeguarding friendly assets operating within contested airspace.
What truly sets Akashteer apart is its seamless integration into India’s broader defence ecosystem. As a core component of the C4ISR architecture- Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, it operates in close coordination with the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Its mobility, ensured by a vehicle-mounted design, allows rapid deployment across dynamic and high-risk operational environments.
The system is also fully interoperable with the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) and the Navy’s TRIGUN network, creating a robust, tri-service defence grid. This interconnected structure not only enhances battlefield awareness but also minimizes the chances of fratricide, enabling faster, more precise countermeasures against aerial threats.
Akashteer is an indigenously developed, AI-driven air defence system created through a collaborative effort by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). Officially known as the Automated Air Defence Control & Reporting System, Akashteer gathers and processes data from a wide range of sensors and platforms, enabling real-time, automated threat assessment and engagement.
What sets Akashteer apart is its pioneering integration of autonomous drone swarms, indigenous satellite-based surveillance, and AI-powered battlefield management into a unified air defence architecture, making India the first non-Western nation to achieve this level of technological convergence in air warfare.
The system can autonomously oversee drone missions, allowing drones to identify and coordinate on targets mid-flight without human input. With the inclusion of advanced 3D tactical radars, compact low-level tracking systems, and the Akash Weapon System, Akashteer offers rapid and precise threat neutralisation while minimizing the risk of friendly fire, even in complex and contested airspaces.
In the realm of air defence, speed is critical, every second can determine success or failure. Akashteer’s fully automated data processing eliminates the need for manual intervention, drastically cutting down response times. This rapid reaction capability is vital when dealing with high-velocity threats; for example, a supersonic aircraft can cover up to 18 kilometres in just 60 seconds. Akashteer’s automation ensures that defensive measures are initiated swiftly and with high precision within this narrow window.
Beyond its speed, Akashteer improves battlefield responsiveness by decentralising the authority to engage aerial threats. Frontline units are empowered to act independently, without waiting for clearance from higher command. This autonomy significantly reduces decision-making delays and minimizes the risk of friendly fire. Such features are especially valuable in sensitive operational zones under the Northern and Eastern Commands, where Akashteer is already operational.
A key strength of the Akashteer system lies in its promotion of inter-service cooperation between the Army and the Air Force, an essential step toward the theatre command structure India is aiming to implement. The integration of air defence capabilities between the two services began in June 2018, with the establishment of a Joint Service Study Group (JSSG). This group was tasked with assessing how Ground-Based Air Defence Weapon Systems (GBADWS) from all branches could be better coordinated for enhanced effectiveness across the military spectrum.
On March 2, 2023, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with BEL for the procurement of 455 Akashteer systems for the Indian Army, valued at ₹1,982 crore. As of November 2024, 107 units had been delivered, with full deployment expected to be completed by March 2027.
