Indian Army inducts indigenous ‘SAKSHAM’ counter-drone system to secure tactical airspace

New Delhi, October 11. The Indian Army has begun the induction of an indigenously developed Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) Grid, named ‘SAKSHAM’, to detect, track, identify, and neutralise hostile drones and aerial threats in real time, according to media reports. The system marks a major stride in strengthening India’s battlefield air defence and electronic warfare capabilities.

Developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad, SAKSHAM – short for Situational Awareness for Kinetic Soft and Hard Kill Assets Management – is a modular command-and-control platform designed to protect what the Army now defines as the Tactical Battlefield Space (TBS). This new operational concept expands the traditional Tactical Battle Area (TBA) to include the Air Littoral – the low-altitude airspace extending up to 3,000 metres above ground level.

The need for such a system became apparent during Operation Sindoor, when increased hostile drone activity exposed the gaps in existing detection and response mechanisms. Recognising that future conflicts will increasingly unfold within this low-altitude domain, the Army adopted a broader framework integrating ground and aerial defence systems.

SAKSHAM operates on the secure Army Data Network, integrating multiple sensor inputs to generate a real-time Recognised UAS Picture (RUASP) for formations across the theatre of operations. The system links various counter-UAS sensors, soft- and hard-kill weapons, and battlefield management tools through a GIS-based interface, offering commanders an instant and unified view of aerial activity. It also connects with the Akasheer System to track friendly and neutral aerial platforms, ensuring comprehensive situational awareness.

The system will significantly bolster India’s capacity to defend against drone-borne reconnaissance and strike threats, particularly in forward and high-risk areas. With SAKSHAM’s deployment, the Army aims to achieve seamless surveillance and coordinated airspace defence across the tactical battlefield – an essential step toward preparing for the wars of tomorrow.