In a high-stakes visit amid escalating regional tensions, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Srinagar today to meet Indian Army personnel and review the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, a major cross-border military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure. Singh was received by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi at the airport, where the two leaders were seen exchanging greetings in front of a military aircraft — a symbolic gesture reflecting the gravity of the recent developments.
The visit follows the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives and was linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, operating under the direction of its chief, Hafiz Saeed. In response, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 14, executing precision missile strikes on nine terror camps located across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The operation marked a significant escalation in India’s counter-terror strategy, with 24 precision missiles targeting facilities run by banned outfits including Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Notable targets included Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur and Syedna Bilal Camp in Muzaffarabad. Of the nine terror hideouts neutralized, four were located within Pakistan’s territory and five in PoK, sending a clear message about India’s resolve to dismantle cross-border terror networks.
General Upendra Dwivedi, who took charge as the 30th Chief of Army Staff on June 30, 2024, has played a crucial role in modernizing the Indian Army. Under his leadership, the forces have increasingly focused on indigenous defence production as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. His emphasis on infrastructure development and nation-building in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh has been critical in ensuring strategic preparedness during volatile times.
Defence Minister Singh’s interactions in Srinagar included briefings from senior military commanders of the Army, Air Force, and Navy, reflecting a tri-service coordination approach to national security. Sources indicate that Singh reviewed operational outcomes and discussed further strategic measures in a meeting aligned with the directives of the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
With Pakistan reportedly increasing ceasefire violations along the Line of Control in the days following the strikes, Indian forces remain on high alert. The Defence Ministry has affirmed that India will continue to respond decisively to any threats to its sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.
As diplomatic channels remain constrained and military preparedness is intensified, India’s firm stance signals a new phase in its counter-terror doctrine — one where strategic restraint is increasingly backed by swift, targeted action.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for a deadly ambush on a Pakistani military convoy in the Panjgur district of Balochistan, resulting in the deaths of 14 Pakistani Army personnel and injuries to several others. The attack, one of the deadliest in recent months, marks a serious escalation in the BLA’s ongoing insurgency against the Pakistani state.
According to sources, the ambush targeted military vehicles traveling through a remote area, causing extensive damage and casualties. The BLA released a video of the operation, underscoring its capability and resolve to continue armed resistance in pursuit of Balochistan’s independence.
The BLA, designated as a terrorist organization by Pakistan, has been waging an armed rebellion since 2004. Its fighters cite political marginalization, economic exploitation of the province’s rich resources, and systemic human rights abuses as driving forces behind their separatist campaign. The region’s instability has been exacerbated by decades of underdevelopment and militarized crackdowns.
In recent weeks, the group has carried out multiple high-profile attacks, including the hijacking of a passenger train and assaults on security outposts. These coordinated strikes reflect the BLA’s increasing operational sophistication and its intent to undermine Pakistani control over Balochistan.
Balochistan holds strategic importance for Pakistan, not only for its vast mineral wealth but also as the site of key infrastructure projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The latest ambush in Panjgur has raised fresh concerns over regional security and the effectiveness of Pakistan’s counter-insurgency measures.
As the violence continues, analysts stress the need for a comprehensive political and developmental strategy to address the deep-rooted grievances fueling the insurgency, in addition to military responses. The Panjgur attack stands as a stark reminder of the enduring volatility in Balochistan and the urgent need for long-term peacebuilding efforts.
In a formal ceremony held on May 13, the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Directorate of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (AP&T) welcomed its new Deputy Director General, Air Commodore Narsingh Sailani. A decorated officer of the Indian Air Force, Sailani steps into his new role with a commitment to elevate the directorate’s impact on youth training, leadership, and national service.
The handover was symbolized by a ceremonial handshake between Sailani and an Army officer, signifying the seamless transition of responsibilities. Clad in his Air Force uniform, complete with service medals and insignia, Sailani addressed NCC personnel from his new office, expressing his focus on instilling discipline, patriotism, and leadership qualities among cadets.
The AP & T Directorate proudly welcomes its new Deputy Director General, Air Commodore Narsingh Sailani. A guiding force takes charge, bringing vision, strength, and inspiration to lead the directorate into a new era of excellence. pic.twitter.com/CJiCcY14ha
A group photograph taken outside the NCC Directorate building — which proudly displays the AP&T signage and the Indian national flag — featured Sailani alongside senior officers and staff, reflecting unity and a shared sense of purpose. The occasion also underscored the NCC’s enduring commitment to shaping responsible citizens and future leaders.
The NCC Directorate AP&T, established following the 2014 bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, oversees cadet units across both states. Key cities under its jurisdiction include Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Nizamabad, and Warangal in Telangana, and Guntur, Kakinada, Kurnool, Tirupati, and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The directorate has a distinguished record, having won the Best Directorate Award at the Republic Day Camp in both 2008 and 2021.
Prior to this appointment, Sailani served in a strategic operational role at the Southern Air Command. Renowned for his commitment to fitness, leadership, and youth empowerment, he is poised to bring fresh energy and direction to the NCC’s mission in the region. His leadership is expected to further enhance the directorate’s role in building a disciplined, service-oriented, and nationally conscious youth community.
The Indian Army successfully conducted “Exercise Teesta Prahar,” a large-scale military drill held at the Teesta Field Firing Range in North Bengal from January 21 to January 31, 2023. The exercise, announced through a post by @trishakticorps on social media platform X, involved a wide array of military formations including Infantry, Artillery, Armoured Corps, Mechanised Infantry, Special Forces, Aviation units, Engineers, and Signals. The drill was marked by seamless coordination and interoperability across these branches.
Exercise #TeestaPrahar at Teesta Field Firing Range showcased synergy across Infantry, Artillery, Armoured, Mechanised Infantry, Special Forces, Aviation, Engineers & Signals.
— Trishakticorps_IA (@trishakticorps) May 15, 2025
Designed to validate operational readiness, the exercise focused on joint operations, technology-driven warfare, rapid troop movement, and high-altitude combat capabilities. One of the key highlights was the Integrated Fire Power Exercise, where assets from the Indian Air Force and Airborne Special Forces operated in tandem within a fully networked environment—underscoring the Army’s modern warfare capabilities.
However, the Teesta Field Firing Range, a strategic site for such operations, has been at the center of environmental debate. In March 2023, the West Bengal government requested the Army to consider relocating the range, citing concerns over wildlife safety. The request followed incidents where four elephants were killed during live-fire drills—raising urgent questions about balancing defense preparedness with environmental protection.
Despite these challenges, “Exercise Teesta Prahar” reaffirmed the Indian Army’s resolve to remain combat-ready. It emphasized the critical need for continuous training and the integration of advanced technologies, even as the armed forces confront the dual imperatives of national security and ecological responsibility.
A high-stakes counter-terrorism operation, codenamed Operation Nader, was launched early Thursday morning in the Nader area of Tral, Awantipora, by joint security forces comprising the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The operation was initiated based on credible intelligence inputs suggesting the presence of armed terrorists in the region. As security personnel conducted a cordon and search operation, they encountered suspicious movement, following which terrorists opened heavy fire, sparking a fierce gunbattle.
According to initial reports, the operation is still ongoing, with no official confirmation yet on the number of casualties or the identity of the terrorists. Security forces have cordoned off the area, and reinforcements have been deployed to prevent any escape or infiltration.
This development follows a recent surge in militant activity in the Valley, including the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this month. In a separate encounter just days ago in Shopian, Indian forces neutralized three terrorists, including a local commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba/The Resistance Front (LeT/TRF). Multiple AK-series rifles, ammunition, and war-like stores were recovered from the scene.
The Tral area, once a stronghold of Hizbul Mujahideen, was officially declared militant-free in 2020. However, sporadic incidents continue to test the fragile peace in South Kashmir. Security officials suggest that new recruits and infiltrators are attempting to reestablish terror networks in the region.
The Chinar Corps, headquartered in Srinagar, remains at the forefront of the Indian Army’s counter-insurgency grid in Jammu and Kashmir. Amid rising tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) and ongoing militant activity, forces have ramped up surveillance, patrols, and coordinated intelligence-based operations.
The central government has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, and today’s operation underscores India’s continued commitment to dismantling militant infrastructure in the Valley.
Further updates on Operation Nader are expected as the situation unfolds.
In a landmark victory for India’s counterinsurgency campaign, security forces have concluded Operation Black Forest, a 21-day operation that eliminated 31 Naxalites, including top commanders, in the dense Karreguttalu Hill (KGH) region along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. Authorities have hailed the operation as the largest and most successful strike against Naxal forces in the nation’s history.
The neutralized insurgents—who carried a collective bounty of ₹1.72 crore—belonged to a Unified Command of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion, the Central Regional Committee (CRC), and the Telangana State Committee. The operation dismantled their heavily fortified hideouts in the 60-km-long KGH forest, once deemed impenetrable due to its treacherous terrain and strategic significance.
From April 21 to May 11, the joint forces—comprising over 20,000 personnel from the CoBRA, Special Task Force (STF), District Reserve Guard (DRG), and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)—destroyed 214 hideouts and bunkers, recovered 450 IEDs, 818 BGL shells, 899 bundles of detonator cords, and seized 35 automatic and semi-automatic weapons.
In addition, the troops uncovered and dismantled four technical units producing weapons and explosives, and seized over 12,000 kg of rations, medicines, and logistical supplies. Despite extreme conditions, including temperatures exceeding 45°C, no security personnel fatalities were reported. Eighteen troops sustained injuries, mostly due to IED blasts, but all are currently stable and under treatment.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the operation, declaring that Karreguttalu Hill, once a bastion of red terror, now proudly flies the Indian tricolor. He reaffirmed the government’s aim to eliminate Naxalism by March 31, 2026, highlighting the operation as a pivotal moment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh and Chhattisgarh DGP Arun Dev Gautam, addressing a joint press conference, confirmed that 28 of the 31 killed insurgents have been identified, including 16 female cadres in uniform. They emphasized that no previous operation has yielded such a vast haul of explosives and weaponry in a single campaign.
This monumental strike follows a consistent downward trend in Naxal activity. Naxal-affected districts have dropped from 126 in 2014 to 18 in 2025, and violent incidents have declined from 1,080 in 2014 to 374 in 2024. In just the first four months of 2025, 197 Naxalites have been neutralized, while 718 have surrendered, building on the 928 surrenders in 2024. Infrastructure boosts, including 320 new security camps and 555 fortified police stations, have bolstered the state’s presence in vulnerable areas.
Operation Black Forest is now seen as a turning point in India’s internal security history, reflecting a coordinated, intelligence-driven, and technology-aided campaign to reclaim red zones. Officials believe that the momentum generated will be crucial in dismantling the last remnants of Naxal infrastructure and achieving a Naxal-free India.
In a bold and calibrated military response, India carried out precision strikes on Pakistani airbases under “Operation Sindoor,” a mission aimed at dismantling terror-linked military infrastructure in Rawalpindi and Rahimyar Khan. The operation was initiated on May 7, 2025, in retaliation to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including 25 Indians and one Nepali national.
The Indian Ministry of Defence confirmed that the mission was executed without any loss of Indian personnel or equipment, showcasing the efficiency of homegrown surveillance, planning, and strike capabilities. The strikes specifically targeted high-value installations such as radar and missile systems, utilizing long-range indigenous drones and guided munitions.
Operation Sindoor remained within international norms by not crossing the Line of Control (LoC) or international borders, emphasizing a politically calibrated approach. Despite Pakistani attempts to retaliate on May 9 and 10—aimed at Indian airfields and logistical nodes along the western frontier—the Indian Armed Forces successfully repelled these actions, further asserting operational superiority.
The mission underscored significant advancements in India’s defense technology, especially its growing reliance on indigenous systems. The Indian Air Force reportedly evaded and jammed Chinese-origin Pakistani air defense networks, completing the operation in a record 23 minutes. Systems like the Akash air defense missile, Pechora, and OSA-AK platforms were deployed with lethal precision, alongside loitering munitions.
Recovered debris from the Pakistani bases revealed the destruction of hostile technologies, including Chinese PL-15 air-to-air missiles, Turkish Yiha UAVs, quadcopters, long-range rockets, and commercial drones—highlighting India’s growing edge in electronic and drone warfare.
India’s space and drone ecosystems also played a critical role. ISRO ensured 24×7 satellite monitoring via a constellation of 10 satellites, covering strategic borders and the 7,000-km coastline. The Drone Federation of India (DFI), representing over 550 drone startups, was instrumental in the success, with companies like Alpha Design Technologies, Tata Advanced Systems, Paras Defence, and IG Drones contributing advanced hardware and software.
The operation comes at a time when India’s defense manufacturing sector is witnessing unprecedented growth. Indigenous production touched ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, while defense exports surged to ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024-25—a 34-fold increase since 2013-14. Government initiatives like Make in India, the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for drones, and the iDEX innovation program have played a crucial role in this transformation.
With Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and increasing private sector involvement, India is fast emerging as a global hub for defense innovation and manufacturing.
Operation Sindoor stands as a landmark in India’s journey toward military self-reliance. By integrating satellite intelligence, advanced drones, air defense, and indigenous strike capabilities, the mission signals India’s readiness for future conflicts in a rapidly evolving, tech-dominated warfare landscape. The operation not only achieved tactical objectives but also validated India’s broader strategic vision of becoming a high-tech military power in the 21st century.
In a proud moment for Indian sports and the armed forces, Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has been conferred the Honorary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. The announcement was made official by the Ministry of Defence through the Gazette of India, with the honour taking effect from April 16, 2025.
Neeraj, who joined the Indian Army in 2016 as a Naib Subedar, has been associated with the armed forces for nearly a decade. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, being promoted to Subedar in 2021 and later to Subedar Major following his historic gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics. His achievements earned him several prestigious awards, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Padma Shri, and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).
The official notification, dated May 9, 2025, stated,” “In exercise of the powers conferred by Para 31 of the Territorial Army Regulations, 1948, the President is pleased to confer the Honorary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Territorial Army on Ex-Sub Maj Neeraj Chopra, PVSM, Padma Shri, VSM, Village & Post Office Khandra, Panipat, Haryana with effect from 16 April, 2025.”
Widely regarded as India’s greatest-ever track and field athlete, Neeraj Chopra made history by winning the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics, making him the first Indian athlete to win both gold and silver in individual Olympic events. He is only the second Indian after Abhinav Bindra to clinch an Olympic gold in an individual event.
The 26-year-old javelin ace has achieved every major title in his sport, including:
World Championship Gold (2023)
Asian Games Gold (2018, 2023)
Commonwealth Games Gold (2018)
With this military honour, Neeraj joins the elite list of Indian sportspersons recognised for their contribution to the nation, both on and off the field.
Meanwhile, Neeraj is set to begin his 2025 athletics season at the Doha Diamond League on Friday, May 16, marking his first appearance since his silver-medal-winning performance in Paris.
In a dramatic escalation of the decades-long struggle for autonomy, Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch declared Balochistan’s independence from Pakistan on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s turbulent history. The announcement was accompanied by sweeping protests across the province, where thousands of people gathered in solidarity, demanding freedom and an end to decades of alleged state-sponsored oppression.
Mir Yar Baloch, a long-time activist for Baloch rights, stated that the people of Balochistan had delivered a “national verdict” rejecting Pakistani rule. He appealed to the international community — especially India — to recognize Balochistan as a sovereign nation and to support their cause diplomatically and politically. He further called for international pressure on Islamabad to address the region’s long-standing human rights grievances.
The declaration was underscored by powerful imagery of large public gatherings, with demonstrators waving Baloch flags and chanting pro-independence slogans. These protests, among the largest in recent years, reflect widespread frustration in Balochistan — Pakistan’s largest yet most underdeveloped province — over issues ranging from political marginalization to economic exploitation.
Balochistan has been at the center of a simmering separatist conflict for decades. Armed groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) have stepped up operations in recent months, targeting Pakistani security forces and Chinese investments tied to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Gwadar Port — a key hub in the CPEC project — handles a significant portion of Pakistan’s maritime trade, making it a strategic asset and a point of contention between the state and Baloch insurgents.
Mir Yar Baloch also voiced support for India’s claims over Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, urging global powers to press Pakistan on both fronts. He called for the opening of a Balochistan office and embassy in New Delhi, indicating an intent to build formal diplomatic ties with India.
His declaration has cast a spotlight on Pakistan’s human rights record in Balochistan. Reports from organizations like Human Rights Watch have chronicled enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and systemic abuses allegedly committed by Pakistani security agencies, including the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Frontier Corps (FC). In 2018, the Balochistan National Party (Mengal) submitted a list of over 5,000 missing persons to the federal government — a grim testament to the scale of the crisis.
The geopolitical significance of Balochistan is immense. As the cornerstone of the $60 billion CPEC, the province is vital to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Yet, Baloch separatists view these projects as exploitative, arguing that locals have seen little benefit from the influx of foreign investment. The BLA has targeted high-profile Chinese interests in the past, including the 2019 attacks on the Pearl-Continental Hotel in Gwadar and the Chinese consulate in Karachi.
Islamabad has not yet issued an official response to the independence declaration. However, tensions are expected to escalate, especially given the timing — with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif currently in China for diplomatic engagements. The situation could complicate Pakistan’s standing in ongoing negotiations regarding the future of the CPEC Authority, whose dissolution had been previously approved in principle.
As the world watches the unfolding developments in Balochistan, analysts warn of potential instability in the region unless international actors step in. The question remains whether global powers will prioritize human rights and self-determination or continue to navigate cautiously around Pakistan’s strategic alliances.
The declaration by Mir Yar Baloch marks a watershed moment — one that may redefine the geopolitical contours of South Asia in the coming months.
Akashteer is an advanced, fully indigenous Air Defence Control and Reporting System (ADCRS) developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the Indian Army. It significantly enhances the command, control, and coordination capabilities of India’s air defence network by integrating various sensors, radars, and weapon systems into a unified, automated platform. The system was inducted starting in 2024, with phased deployment ongoing and expected to be completed by 2027.
Background & Need
The development of Akashteer was driven by the increasing complexity of aerial threats facing India, including drones, UAVs, cruise missiles, and supersonic aircraft. Traditional manual air defence control methods were insufficient to counter these fast and evolving threats. There was a critical need for a network-centric system that could integrate multiple sensors and weapon platforms, automate threat detection and engagement, and enable real-time decision-making at all command levels.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna state-owned defence electronics company under the Ministry of Defence, developed Akashteer. BEL is renowned for producing a range of defence systems, the Atulya Gun System, positioning it as a key player in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
System Description
What is Akashteer?
Akashteer is an automated Air Defence Control and Reporting System designed to coordinate and control air defence assets such as radars, missile systems, and guns. It serves as the digital nerve centre for India’s tactical air defence, providing a real-time, unified air picture to frontline units and higher command echelons.
Core Components
Command Centres: Vehicle-mounted, mobile control centres deployed at corps, division, and brigade levels.
Radars and Sensors: Integration of 3D Tactical Control Radars, Low-Level Lightweight Radars, and sensors from both Army Air Defence and Indian Air Force.
Communication Systems: Secure, redundant data links enabling real-time data sharing even under adverse conditions.
Decision Support System (DSS): AI-assisted modules for target evaluation, threat prioritization, and automated engagement decisions.
Mobility
The system is housed in mobile shelters mounted on vehicles, allowing rapid deployment and adaptability across diverse terrains including high-altitude and border areas. This mobility ensures operational continuity in dynamic battlefield environment.
Key Features
Real-time Surveillance and Tracking: Provides a comprehensive, multi-dimensional airspace overview by fusing data from various sensors.
Automated Command and Control: Eliminates manual data entry, enabling instant threat recognition and engagement.
Integrated Communication: Seamless connectivity among multiple air defence units and interoperability with Indian Air Force systems.
Decentralised Engagement Authority: Empowers frontline units to make rapid engagement decisions, reducing response time and risk of fratricide.
Scalable and Modular Architecture: Designed for future upgrades in hardware and software to counter emerging threats.
Stealth Interception Capability: Uses passive sensors and AI to detect and neutralize drones without relying solely on active radar.
Operational Role
Akashteer centralizes command of India’s tactical air defence during conflict, enabling a multi-layered defence strategy. It played a pivotal role in Operation Sindoor, where it successfully integrated ground-based defence systems to counter Pakistani aerial incursions, effectively neutralizing hostile air threats.
Role in Operation Sindoor
During Operation Sindoor in May 2025, Akashteer played a pivotal role in India’s air defence response against a coordinated aerial offensive by Pakistan. Following India’s precision strikes on terror camps and strategic targets inside Pakistan, Pakistan launched waves of drones, missiles, and loitering munitions targeting Indian border areas and civilian locations across northern and western India. Akashteer acted as the digital nerve centre of India’s air defence network, coordinating real-time surveillance, threat evaluation, and interception of these low-level aerial threats in forward combat zones.
The system’s AI-driven command and control capabilities enabled seamless integration of radar inputs, satellite imagery, and ground-based air defence weapons to create a unified, automated combat cloud. This allowed Akashteer to autonomously detect, track, and neutralize hundreds of incoming Pakistani drones and missiles with high kill probability, preventing any hostile aircraft or munitions from breaching Indian airspace. Its ability to manage multi-layered air defence assets, including integration with S-400 and Akash missile systems, ensured a 100% interception rate during the attacks.
Military officials hailed Akashteer’s performance as a “game-changer” that redefined battlefield advantage by combining AI-coordinated drone swarms, satellite reconnaissance, and autonomous decision-making. The system’s success in Operation Sindoor marked a doctrinal shift from reactive defence to proactive retaliation, showcasing India’s technological edge in modern warfare and validating Akashteer as a cornerstone of India’s future-ready air defence architecture
Integration of Akashteer and IACSS
Strategic Importance
Akashteer is a flagship example of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, emphasizing indigenization in defence technology. It significantly boosts India’s preparedness against modern aerial threats like drones and cruise missiles, while reducing decision-making time in high-intensity conflicts. Its deployment strengthens national security by providing a robust, automated air defence network.
Current Status & Deployment
The first batch of around 100 vehicle-mounted Akashteer Control Centres was delivered by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in 2024. To date, approximately 50% of the total 455 systems have been inducted, with full-scale deployment expected to be completed by 2027. The system is already operational in sensitive commands such as the Northern and Eastern Commands, with ongoing trials and deployments taking place across India’s strategic border areas.
Comparison With Other Similar Systems
Aspect
Akashteer (India)
NATO’s IBCS (USA)
Polyana-D4M1 (Russia)
Indigenous Content
100% indigenous, developed by BEL
Developed by Northrop Grumman and partners
Developed by Almaz-Antey
Mobility
Vehicle-mounted, highly mobile
Modular with some mobile elements
Primarily fixed or semi-mobile
Automation
Fully automated command and control
High automation with network-centric ops
Automated but less decentralized
Sensor Integration
Integrates Army and IAF radars and sensors
Integrates various air defence sensors
Integrates multiple radar and missile systems
Cost & Customization
Cost-effective, terrain-specific tuning
High cost, designed for NATO interoperability
Designed for Russian operational environment
Decentralized Control
Empowers frontline units for engagement
Centralized with some decentralized features
Mostly centralized control
Akashteer’s indigenous development allows cost advantages, customization for Indian terrain, and seamless integration with India’s existing defence infrastructure.
Conclusion
Akashteer marks a significant leap in India’s air defence capabilities, providing a fully automated, integrated, and mobile command and control system tailored for modern aerial threats. Its successful operational deployment, including in real combat scenarios like Operation Sindoor, underscores its strategic value. Looking ahead, Akashteer is poised for further enhancements with AI integration, improved drone warfare countermeasures, and potential export opportunities, solidifying India’s position as a leader in indigenous defence technology.
Akashteer exemplifies the future of India’s air defence-automated, integrated, and indigenously powered.
