On the night of May 9-10, 2025, Akashteer, India’s fully indigenous Air Defence Control and Reporting System, proved its mettle by neutralizing a barrage of missiles and drones launched by Pakistan targeting Indian military and civilian areas. This automated system, a cornerstone of Atmanirbhar Bharat, showcased India’s advanced capabilities in real-time air defence. This article explores Akashteer’s technology, its role in India’s defence ecosystem, and its strategic significance.
Overview of Akashteer
Technology and Capabilities
Akashteer is an automated air defence system designed to detect, track, and engage enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles. Unlike traditional systems relying on ground-based radars and manual decisions, Akashteer integrates radars, sensors, and communication technologies into a unified framework. It provides a real-time air picture to control rooms, radars, and defence guns, enabling coordinated operations.
Key Features
The system’s advanced features include:
- Automation: Processes data from multiple sources for real-time engagement decisions.
- Mobility: Vehicle-based, making it ideal for hostile environments.
- Integration: Part of the C4ISR framework (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), linking with Army, Navy, and Air Force systems.
- Safety: Reduces friendly fire risks through precise target identification.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | May 9-10, 2025 |
| System | Akashteer Air Defence Control and Reporting System |
| Key Role | Neutralized missile and drone attack |
| Integration | C4ISR, Army (AAD), Air Force (IACCS), Navy (TRIGUN) |
Strategic Impact
Proven Performance
During Operation SINDOOR on May 9-10, 2025, Akashteer intercepted every inbound projectile, outperforming Pakistan’s imported HQ-9 and HQ-16 systems. Its ability to see, decide, and strike faster marks India’s dominance in automated air defence warfare, positioning it among elite nations with integrated command and control capabilities.
Unified Defence Network
Akashteer connects seamlessly with the Indian Army’s Air Defence (AAD), Indian Air Force’s IACCS, and Indian Navy’s TRIGUN, creating a unified air defence network. This synergy enhances situational awareness, reduces friendly fire risks, and enables precise strikes, making it a silent yet powerful force in modern warfare.
Atmanirbhar Bharat and Defence Ecosystem
Indigenous Innovation
Akashteer is a product of Make in India, supported by a robust defence ecosystem including 16 DPSUs, 430 licensed companies, and 16,000 MSMEs. India’s shift to 65% domestic defence production from 65-70% import dependency highlights its self-reliance, with a target of ₹3 lakh crore in defence production by 2029.
Broader Ecosystem
Akashteer is part of a growing array of indigenous platforms, including:
- Dhanush Artillery Gun and ATAGS.
- Tejas LCA and ALH.
- Arjun MBT and Weapon Locating Radar.
- Naval assets like destroyers, submarines, and aircraft carriers.
The private sector contributes 21% to defence production, driving innovation and efficiency.
Why It Matters
Akashteer represents a seismic shift in India’s defence strategy, blending indigenous innovation with proactive retaliation. Its success in countering hybrid threats and cross-border challenges underscores India’s emergence as a global defence hub, reinforcing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Key Highlights
- Event Date: May 9-10, 2025, during Operation SINDOOR.
- System: Akashteer, India’s indigenous air defence system.
- Performance: Neutralized all missiles and drones in a Pakistani attack.
- Integration: Links Army, Navy, and Air Force via C4ISR framework.
- Indigenous Edge: Part of Make in India, with 65% domestic defence production.
- Significance: Positions India as a leader in automated air defence warfare.