In a significant advancement for India’s defense capabilities, the Akashteer Air Defence Control and Reporting System (ADCRS) has been developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to bolster the Indian Army’s air defense network. This system enhances aerial command, control, and coordination by integrating a wide array of sensors, radars, and weapons into a single automated platform. The induction of Akashteer began in 2024 and aims for complete phased deployment by 2027.
The pressing need for Akashteer arose from the growing complexity of aerial threats such as drones, UAVs, and cruise missiles. Traditional manual defense methods have proven inadequate against these fast-evolving challenges, necessitating a network-centric system that automates threat detection and engagement and supports real-time decision-making.
BEL, a state-owned defense electronics giant, spearheads the creation of Akashteer, marking its continued commitment to India’s self-reliance in defense technology. The system is designed as a digital nerve center for tactical air defense, coordinating various air defense assets including radars, missile systems, and artillery. It offers real-time surveillance and tracking capabilities, automated command and control, seamless communication, and a decentralized engagement authority that allows frontline units to react swiftly to threats.
Equipped with features like AI-integrated decision support systems and mobility tailored for diverse operational terrains, Akashteer can adapt quickly across high-altitude and border areas. Its mobility, housed in vehicle-mounted shelters, ensures operational continuity in dynamic battlefield conditions.
Akashteer has already proven its operational efficacy in recent military engagements. During Operation Sindoor in May 2025, the system played a critical role in countering a coordinated aerial offensive from Pakistan. Following India’s strategic strikes on terror camps, Pakistan unleashed waves of drones and missiles targeting Indian border regions. Akashteer coordinated real-time surveillance and threat assessments, effectively neutralizing numerous aerial threats and achieving a 100% interception rate during the operation.
The integration of various tactical elements such as radar data, satellite imagery, and air defense weapons under Akashteer’s automated system showcased India’s advanced technological edge. Military officials have dubbed the system a “game-changer,” transforming the approach from reactive to proactive air defense.
As a flagship initiative of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign, Akashteer represents a significant stride towards indigenization in defense capabilities. Currently, about 50% of the total planned systems, amounting to approximately 455, have been inducted, with key deployments already operational in sensitive regions like the Northern and Eastern Commands.
Comparatively, Akashteer stands out against other international systems like NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense Command and Control System and Russia’s Polyana-D4M1. Its fully indigenous development offers cost advantages and customization for the Indian operational environment, along with high mobility and decentralized control.
In summary, Akashteer signifies a transformational leap in India’s air defense infrastructure, equipped to counter modern aerial threats. Its successful deployment in scenarios such as Operation Sindoor illustrates its strategic importance, and future enhancements are expected to further refine its capabilities, solidifying India’s position as a growing leader in indigenous defense technology.
