Akashteer is India’s indigenous, automated, and mobile air defence control system, developed by DRDO under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It integrates multiple radar, sensor, and communication systems to provide a real-time, common air picture for coordinated air defence.
Recent Operational Success
Proven in Battle:
- Played a decisive role in Operation Sindoor (May 2025) by intercepting all drones and missiles launched in Pakistan’s large-scale aerial attack.
Impact:
- Zero damage to military and civilian targets, showcasing India’s real-time threat neutralization capability.
Key Features of Akashteer
| Feature | Details |
| Type | Indigenous automated air defence command & control system |
| Developer | DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) |
| Mobility | Fully vehicle-mounted system – operational in hostile terrain |
| Integration | Works under the C4ISR framework (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) |
| Automation | Enables real-time detection, tracking, and engagement of enemy drones, aircraft, and missiles |
| Sensors Integrated | Tactical Control Radar REPORTER, 3D Tactical Control Radars, Akash radar, Low-Level Lightweight Radars |
| Inter-Service Connectivity | Seamlessly connected with IAF’s IACCS and Indian Navy’s TRIGUN system; Forms the backbone of Army Air Defence (AAD) |
Strategic Capabilities
Autonomous Operations:
- Uses AI-powered systems to analyze threats and engage them without manual intervention.
Decentralized Response:
- Field commanders are empowered to act independently in real-time.
Multi-Layered Defence:
- Works with Akash SAM and S-400 to offer tiered airspace protection.
Friendly Fire Prevention:
- Real-time tracking reduces risk of blue-on-blue (friendly) incidents.
Enhanced Situational Awareness:
- Offers complete, integrated airspace visibility to all defence forces.
Role in Defence Modernization
AI & Satellite-Enabled Warfare:
- Integrates with ISRO’s Earth observation satellites and NAVIC for accurate surveillance and targeting.
- Employs autonomous drone swarms for stealth and speed.
- Enables dynamic mission reassignment and precision strikes.
India’s Defence Ecosystem:
Akashteer is part of India’s growing list of advanced indigenous defence platforms, including:
- Dhanush, ATAGS, MBT Arjun
- LCA Tejas, ALH, LUH
- Naval Platforms: Aircraft carriers, destroyers, submarines, corvettes
- DRDO/ADA’s R&D: AI-pilots, net-centric warfare, internal weapon bays
- Weapon Locating Radar, Naval destroyers, and more.
Defence Production Snapshot
| Metric | Status |
| India’s Defence Production Target | ₹3 lakh crore by 2029 |
| Private Sector Contribution | 21% of total defence output |
| Domestic Manufacturing Share | Over 65% of defence equipment now domestically produced, vs earlier 65–70% import dependence. |
| Industrial Base | 16 DPSUs, 430+ licensed companies, ~16,000 MSMEs |
Importance for National Security
| Strategic Impact | Description |
| Rapid Threat Response | Akashteer intercepts threats in seconds, reducing potential damage. |
| Unified Command | Real-time coordination between Army, Navy, and Air Force. |
| Global Benchmark | Puts India in elite league of nations with automated, integrated air defence. |
| Atmanirbhar Defence | Highlights India’s capability to design and deploy critical military systems indigenously. |
| Hybrid Warfare Preparedness | Designed to counter drones, missiles, aircraft – critical in modern asymmetric warfare. |