Central Idea
- Reorientation of focus: Indian Army shifts focus from western to northern borders following 2020 standoff with China.
- Lessons from Ukraine conflict: Insights from ongoing war in Ukraine are influencing transformation of Army Air Defence (AAD).
- Induction of new systems: New systems are being inducted to enhance air defence capabilities.
What is Project Akashteer?
- Networking and automation: Project Akashteer aims to establish networking and automation capabilities similar to Indian Air Force’s system.
- Comprehensive air defence picture: Project Akashteer focuses on building a comprehensive air defence picture for monitoring, tracking, and engaging air defence assets.
- Implementation target: The project aims to complete implementation by March 2024 for integration of radars, control centres, and weapons.
Shifting Focus and New Technology
- Shift in focus: Indian Army shifts focus from western border to northern borders.
- Mountainous air defence requirements: The need for lightweight radars and mobile weapon systems to cater to requirements in mountainous regions.
- Consideration of new threats: Insights from Ukraine conflict prompt consideration of new threats such as UAVs, loitering munitions, swarm drones, and cruise missiles.
Induction of New Systems
- Improved Akash surface-to-air missile systems: Contract signed for two regiments of improved Akash systems to enhance air defence capabilities.
- Collaboration with Israel: Collaboration with Israel for the induction of medium-range surface-to-air missile project.
- Development of quick reaction systems: Indigenously developing quick reaction surface-to-air missile (QRSAM) to meet critical air defence needs.
- Exploration of air defence guns: Ongoing efforts to procure air defence guns to strengthen air defence capabilities.
Challenges and Indigenization
- Component shortage: Global shortage of components and hardware due to the Ukraine conflict affecting the pace of inductions.
- Emphasis on indigenization: Focus on promoting indigenization and reducing dependence on imports for air defence systems.
- Revitalization of modernization: Revival of Army Air Defence modernization with emphasis on indigenous development and procurement.
Significance of the project
- Strengthened air defence capabilities: Focus on enhancing air defence capabilities for robust border security.
- Improved monitoring and coordination: Integration and automation initiatives enhance monitoring, coordination, and situational awareness.
- Enhanced border preparedness: Contribution to enhanced border preparedness and response capabilities.
Way forward
- Continued research and development: Focus on continuous research and development to stay ahead of evolving threats and challenges.
- International collaboration: Collaboration with international partners to incorporate advanced air defence systems and technologies.
- Integration of advanced technologies: Integration of technologies like AI and machine learning to enhance air defence operations and effectiveness.
- Innovation and efficiency: Focus on innovation, efficiency, and effectiveness in future air defence strategies.
