AKASHTEER

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Context: 

Amid heightened global security concerns, the Indian Army has significantly enhanced its air defence capabilities with the acquisition of 100 Akashteer air defence systems.

Background

In March 2023, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with BEL for Project Akashteer, worth ₹1,982 crore (US$237 million). This contract is part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, promoting self-reliance in the defense sector.

About the system

Feature	Details
Type	Advanced Air Defence Control and Reporting Systems (ADCRS)- It is a system for tactical command & control Army Air Defence. Its prime purpose is to reduce the effectiveness of attack.
Purpose	To improve the capability of the Indian Army's Corps of Army Air Defence troops by providing them with a tactical command and control system.
Design	Sophisticated, integrated control and reporting system for neutralizing enemy threats quickly
Capabilities	To improve situational awareness, the system unifies all of the Indian Army's Air Defence networks' surveillance resources, radar systems, communication nodes, and other command and control units into a single network.
Operational View	This system helps improve operational capabilities by monitoring low-level airspace in battle zones. It also controls Ground-Based Air Defence Weapon Systems, making air defense more effective.
Coordination	Brings together various surveillance assets, radar systems, and communication nodes for precise air defence operations
Developer	Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

Conclusion

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 Army on its path to transformation to meet the current and futuristic requirements of complex air defense operations.

About Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is an Indian public sector aerospace and defence electronics company. It primarily manufactures advanced electronic products for ground and aerospace applications. 

BEL is one of sixteen PSUs under the administration of Ministry of Defence of India. It has been granted Navratna status by the Government of India.

Bharat Electronics Limited was founded in Bangalore, Karnataka, India in 1954.

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Project Akashteer

Source:

https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-indias-air-defence-strengthens-with-akashteer-systems-for-the-army-3629848/

https://alphadefense.in/index.php/2024/10/02/akashteer-air-defence-system-india/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akashteer

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/what-is-the-new-akashteer-command-and-control-systems-and-how-will-it-enhance-indias-air-defences/articleshow/109067258.cms?from=mdr

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Discuss the role of public-private partnerships and indigenous research and development in promoting self-sufficiency in the Defence sector. What are the potential implications of self-reliance on India's foreign policy and economic relations? (250 words)