Operators
Indian Army - 107 in service. Total 455 on order. [9]
| Akashteer | |
|---|---|
| Type | Air defence system |
| Place of origin | India |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Corps of Army Air Defence [1] |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Bharat Electronics |
| Produced | 4 April 2024 [1] |
| No. built | 107 |
Akashteer is an Indian Air Defence Control & Reporting System developed by Bharat Electronics Limited to equip the units of Indian Army's Corps of Army Air Defence with a tactical command and control system, therefore improving their capabilities. This technology will allow for monitoring of low level airspace in battle areas and efficient control of Ground Based Air Defence Weapon Systems. [2] [3] [4]
The Akastheer system is being 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 radars of the Army through Akashteer and the Air Force radars 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. [5]
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 ₹ 1,982 crore (US$232 million) 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. [6] [3] [7]
By 30 September 2024, BEL delivered the entire 100 units of Akashteer system to the Indian Army. [8] 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. [9] [10]
In November 2024, it was reported that the Indian Army conducted validation trials of Akashteer simulating scenarios as expected in future wars. [11] [12]
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. [8] [13] 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. [14] 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. [11]
Indian Army - 107 in service. Total 455 on order. [9] 
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