BEL’s Akashteer air defence system proves its mettle amid conflict
India’s AI-driven, fully automated ‘Akashteer’ air defence system, developed indigenously by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), has demonstrated exceptional performance during recent drone attacks from Pakistan, effectively neutralising aerial threats the moment they breached Indian airspace, the company said in a statement on Wednesday.
According to BEL, the advanced platform successfully intercepted multiple threats, including drones, missiles, micro UAVs, and loitering munitions, establishing itself as a globally competitive and operationally ready defence asset.
In an official statement on Wednesday, BEL lauded the system’s performance, noting that it had exceeded operational expectations and significantly bolstered India’s air defence capabilities during the ongoing conflict.
“BEL is proud to announce that our in-house designed and manufactured air defence system, Akashteer, has proved its mettle on the battlefield. Ground-based defence systems integrated with Akashteer made it hell for Pakistan’s air adventures,” the Navratna Defence PSU said in a post on X.
“The system performed beyond users’ expectations, providing robust air defence to India during the current conflict. Akashteer ensures a seamless and unified air situational picture accessible to even the lowest operational units of Army Air Defence, thereby enhancing situational awareness across the force,” it added.
The Akashteer system was developed under a ₹1,982 crore contract signed in March 2023. It integrates surveillance assets, radar systems, and command units into a unified network, providing real-time situational awareness to the Indian Army’s air defence units.
The system enables effective monitoring of low-level airspace over battle zones and ensures precise control over ground-based air defence weapon systems.
Akashteer played a critical role during the recent conflict that followed India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, which targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The system successfully neutralised multiple drone and missile attacks launched by Pakistan.
“Akashteer empowers frontline units by enabling dynamic engagement decisions and preventing friendly-fire incidents,” BEL added.
The system also exemplifies India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology, aligning with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
