Recently, Indian Army’s Corps of Army Air Defense initiated the induction of control and reporting systems under ‘Project Akashteer’ to bolster its air defense capabilities.

Background

• In 2023, Ministry of Defence under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative , signed contract Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad for procurement of Automated Air Defence Control & Reporting System ‘Project Akashteer’ worth Rs 1,982 crore for the Indian Army.
• 2024 is designated as the ‘Year of Tech Absorption’, induction of Akashteer Control Centres will meet the current and futuristic requirements of complex air defence operations.

About Project Akashteer

• It is an initiative designed to automate air defence control and reporting processes by digitising the entire process.
• It seeks to induct Akashteer Command and Control Systems.
• By integrating radar and communication systems at all levels into a unified network, ‘Akashteer’ aims to deliver an unprecedented level of situational awareness and control.
• This will enable swift engagement of hostile targets, significantly reduce the risk of fratricide, and ensure the safety of friendly aircraft in contested airspace.

Benefits

• The Automated Air Defence Control & Reporting System ‘Project Akashteer’ will empower the Air Defence units of the Indian Army with an indigenous, state-of-the-art capability, to effectively operate in an integrated manner.
• Akashteer will enable monitoring of low level airspace over the battle areas of Indian Army and effectively control the Ground Based Air Defence Weapon Systems.

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

• Founded: 1954
• Headquarters: Bengaluru
• Industry Type: Aerospace Avionics Satellite Communication Defence
• Products: Avionics, Radars, Weapon Systems, Electronic Voting Machines, IFF
• Chairman: Bhanu Prakash Srivastava