News Excerpt:

The Indian Army has initiated the induction of control and reporting systems under 'Project Akashteer' to enhance its air defence capabilities.

About the news:

• The Indian Army has declared 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption' and is undertaking various initiatives to induct niche technology and systems into its inventory. 
• The induction of 'Akashteer' control centers is one of the major milestones achieved by the Indian Army on its path to transformation to meet the current and futuristic requirements of complex air defense operations.

Project Akashteer

• ‘Project Akashteer’ is a cutting-edge initiative designed to automate air defence control and reporting processes by digitizing them.
• It is developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) as part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, this project is poised to significantly enhance the operational efficiency and integration of the Army’s air defence mechanisms.
• ‘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 the Indian Army and effectively control the Ground Based Air Defence Weapon Systems.

How will it help India's air defence system?

The 'Akashteer Command and Control Systems' will significantly enhance India's air defense capabilities in several ways:

• Efficiency and Integration: 
• By digitizing Air Defence Control and Reporting processes, 'Akashteer' will usher in unprecedented levels of efficiency and integration. 
• This will enable the Indian Army to respond swiftly to hostile threats while minimizing the risk of friendly fire incidents.
• Situational Awareness: 
• 'Akashteer' integrates radar and communication systems into a unified network, providing the Indian Army with unprecedented situational awareness. 
• This will enable them to detect and engage hostile targets more effectively, ensuring the safety of friendly aircraft in contested airspace.
• Mobility and Resilience: 
• The system's vehicle-based and mobile Control Centers are designed to maintain operational capabilities even in challenging communication environments. 
• This ensures that the Indian Army can operate effectively in diverse terrain and under adverse conditions.
• Automation: 
• Overall, the deployment of 'Akashteer' signifies a leap towards complete automation of air defense operations. 
• This will enhance the Indian Army's ability to defend its airspace, ensuring the safety of friendly aircraft in contested airspace.