New Delhi: Although global debates about air defence systems tend to focus on Russia’s S-400, America’s Patriot, or Israel’s Iron Dome, India’s native Akashteer system becomes a game-changer. In Operation Sindoor, it countered all the missile and drone attacks by Pakistan and proved its mettle in the live warfield. This success does not only highlight India’s increased self-sufficiency in terms of defence technology but also places Akashteer to become a power to reckon with in providing air defence cover.
Widely developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and the Defence research and development organisation (DRDO), Akashteer is a state-of-the-art Command and Control system. It combines radars, surveillance equipment and weapons to give smooth, real-time monitoring of airspace. What makes it unique – the mobility of Akashteer: unlike many of the competitors, Akashteer can be moved to the desired location fast; this gives the Indian military flexibility that no other country can compare with. The system’s ability to link a variety of defensive assets, such as missiles, to anti-drone technology creates a layered defence that is both effective and lethal.
The recent conflict forced Akashteer to undergo its final testing. The fusillade of drones and missile attacks by Pakistan at Indian military targets was returned with accuracy and dispatch. The centre of command node of the system processed radar data quickly and detected threats in real time. Akash surface-to-air missiles eliminated high-priority targets, while ZU-23-2 and L-70 guns shot the smaller objects, such as drones. The S-400 system gave long-range early warnings, and DRDO’s D4 anti-drone technology jammed enemy drones, making them useless. Once, Akashteer neutralised 15 missiles and 37 drones protecting vital facilities with no losses.
It is impossible not to compare Akashteer with Israel’s Iron Dome, but it has several points in its favour. It addresses a wider spectrum of threats – drones, missiles and aircraft – while Iron Dome targets mostly short-range rockets. Its portability is in contrast with the static configuration of Iron Dome, and it deals with the developed challenges in modern warfare from anti-drone capabilities. The most astounding thing is the cost: It would cost between $6,000 and $12,000 to neutralise a threat using Akashteer’s Akash missile, while it will cost Iron Dome $85,000 and $110,000 to do the same. This cost-effectiveness, therefore, means that Akashteer is a viable consideration for large-scale defence.
Success of the system has widespread implications. It makes India less dependent on importing foreign arms and partakes in the country’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Militarily, it boosts the forces to defend strategic assets with the intent to integrate Akashteer into the overall air defence by 2027. In the terms of psychology, it conveys a clear message to enemies: India’s skies are impregnable. The speed of system deployment – only minutes to be ready – adds more to the readiness of the country.
India is already looking towards upgrades like artificial intelligence to preempt threats, anti-jamming tools to overcome enemy disturbances and satellite data to ensure pinpoint accuracy. The Indian Army received 107 Akashteer units by November 2024, with a target of 455 by April 2027. The $240 million undertaking, awarded in March 2023, is proof of India’s dedication to creativity.
The success of Akashteer in Operation Sindoor is an achievement in India’s defence odyssey. Despite the cost, agility, and effectiveness, it not only nullifies threats but also raises India as a technological powerhouse. As the system builds up, it is poised to strengthen the nation’s defences for many years to come.
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