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Understanding Akashteer: India’s Cutting-Edge Air Defence System

A Comprehensive Overview of Akashteer’s Role in National Security

Understanding Akashteer: India’s Cutting-Edge Air Defence System

  • 21 May, 2025
  • 271

Understanding Akashteer: India’s Cutting-Edge Air Defence System

Akashteer is an innovative automated air defence control and reporting system, developed in India by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). This advanced system serves as a critical command-and-control backbone for India's air defence strategy.

Recent Developments

Recently, Akashteer gained attention due to its pivotal role during the military confrontation with Pakistan from May 7–10. It successfully countered various aerial threats, including fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery, showcasing its effectiveness in real-time operations.

Functionality within Air Defence

As part of India’s air defence grid, Akashteer integrates seamlessly with the Indian Air Force's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) and the Army’s air defence units. This integration enables a coordinated response to threats, allowing for the detection, tracking, and neutralisation of hostile targets across multiple defence layers.

Threat Management Capabilities

Akashteer is equipped to manage various threats, including manned aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), missiles, and rocket projectiles. The system empowers the military to respond with both hard-kill options, like guided missiles, and soft-kill tactics, such as electronic jamming.

Significance for Military Preparedness

The introduction of Akashteer significantly enhances India’s military preparedness against aerial threats. Utilizing advanced artificial intelligence sensors, data integration, and sophisticated decision-making tools, it forms a core component of India’s multi-layered air defence network.

Contribution to Self-Reliance Goals

Being an indigenously developed system, Akashteer resonates with India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, aimed at boosting defence manufacturing. This reduces reliance on foreign technology and ensures compatibility with other indigenous weapons systems.

Complementary Defence Systems

During the recent operations, Akashteer was complemented by several other defence systems, including the S-400 (long-range) and Barak 8 (medium-range) systems, along with indigenous missile systems like Akash and Spyder, enhancing overall air defence capabilities.

Cost and Deployment

The procurement cost of the Akashteer system was approximately ₹1,982 crore from BEL, finalized about a year ago. It has been deployed in several key locations across India, including major air defence command hubs such as Amritsar, Jalandhar, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Jammu, and Srinagar.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Akashteer is expected to broaden its footprint within the air defence grid, contributing to real-time threat management. It also serves as a model for future AI-enabled command systems within India’s defence forces, paving the way for further advancements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Akashteer?
Answer: Akashteer is an indigenously developed automated air defence control and reporting system designed by Bharat Electronics Limited, serving as a backbone for India's air defence.

Q2. Why was Akashteer in the news recently?
Answer: Akashteer played a critical role during the May 7–10 military confrontation with Pakistan, countering multiple waves of aerial threats effectively.

Q3. What types of threats can Akashteer handle?
Answer: Akashteer can detect and respond to threats from manned aircraft, UAVs, missiles, and artillery, employing both hard-kill and soft-kill response options.

Q4. What is the significance of Akashteer for India’s military preparedness?
Answer: The system enhances real-time response capabilities against aerial threats, integrating advanced AI and decision-making tools within India’s air defence network.

Q5. How does Akashteer contribute to self-reliance in defence?
Answer: As an indigenously developed system, Akashteer supports India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by reducing dependence on foreign technologies and enhancing domestic production capabilities.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary function of Akashteer in India’s air defence?
A) Communication system
B) Automated air defence control
C) Ground troop coordination
D) Logistics management
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which company developed Akashteer?
A) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
B) Bharat Electronics Limited
C) Tata Advanced Systems
D) Mahindra Defence Systems
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: In which recent military confrontation did Akashteer play a crucial role?
A) Indo-China skirmish
B) Military confrontation with Pakistan
C) Kargil War
D) Operation Vijay
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: What advanced technology does Akashteer utilize for threat detection?
A) Radar only
B) Artificial Intelligence sensors
C) Satellite imagery
D) Manual tracking
Correct Answer: B

 

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