Indigenous Akashteer Integral in Thwarting Pak Aerial Attacks

A locally developed air defence control and reporting system, called Akashteer, emerged as the centrepiece of India's air defence grid during the May 7-10 military confrontation with Pakistan involving fighter jets, missiles, armed drones, and fierce artillery and rocket duels; it punctured multiple waves of Pakistani aerial attacks on Indian military installations, airbases and civilian areas by guaranteeing prompt detection and targeting of the incoming threats, officials aware of the matter said on Wednesday.

- Rahul Singh

NEW DELHI:

The Indian Army inducted the automated Akashteer system—bought from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for ₹1,982 crore—only a year ago.

The agile system, an integral part of the Indian military's multilayered air defence (AD) grid, played a vital role in detecting, identifying, tracking and engaging Pakistani missiles and drones during the four-day clash that stoked fears of a full-blown shooting war between the nuclear-armed neighbours, the officials said, requesting anonymity.

"It has proved its mettle on the battlefield. Ground-based air defence systems integrated with Akashteer made it hell for Pakistan's air misadventures," BEL said on Wednesday.