Akashteer
{{Short description|India's Automated Air Defence Control & Reporting System}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name = Akashteer
| image = Akashteer C4ISR.png
| image_size = 300
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| caption = Akashteer C4ISR
| type = Air defence system
| origin = India
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| is_vehicle = Yes
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| service = 2024 – present
| used_by = Corps of Army Air Defence{{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}}
| wars = 2025 India–Pakistan conflict
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| manufacturer = Bharat Electronics
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| production_date = 4 April 2024
| number = 107
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Akashteer ({{Lit|Sky Arrow}}) is an Indian Air Defence Control & Reporting System developed by Bharat Electronics Limited equipping the units of Indian Army's Corps of Army Air Defence with a tactical command and control system, therefore improving their capabilities. This technology allows for monitoring of low level airspace in battle areas and efficient control of Ground Based Air Defence Weapon Systems.{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}
The Akashteer system is integrated with the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) of the Indian Air Force to increase jointness of the Armed Forces for air defence. This brings the sensors of the Army through Akashteer and the Air Force sensors and civilian radars through the IACCS under the Joint Air Defence Centre (JADC) level. Post integration, IAF will be in charge of the JADC. As of January 2025, integration for one site is complete while that for other sites in underway.{{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}}
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.{{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}}{{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}}
By 30 September 2024, BEL delivered the entire 100 units of Akashteer system to the Indian Army.{{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}} 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.{{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}}{{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}}
In November 2024, it was reported that the Indian Army conducted validation trials of Akashteer simulating scenarios as expected in future wars.{{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}}{{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}}
Functions
File:Akashteer.png of the Indian Army]]
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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.
Service history
The Akashteer system was a part of India's Air Defence Network during Operation Sindoor where the system effectively foiled multiple of Pakistan's drone and missile attacks.{{Cite web |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=2025-05-16 |website=www.ndtv.com |language=en}}{{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}}