Source: NIE
Context: The Indian Army has begun induction of the ‘Saksham’ Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Grid, an indigenous real-time drone detection and neutralisation network.
About Saksham Counter-Unmanned Aerial Threat Grid System:
What It Is?
- ‘Saksham’ (Situational Awareness for Kinetic Soft and Hard Kill Assets Management) is a modular, AI-driven Command and Control (C2) System designed to detect, track, identify, and neutralise hostile drones and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in real time.
- It forms the backbone of India’s Counter-UAS Grid, securing both ground and low-altitude airspace known as the Tactical Battlefield Space (TBS).
Developed By:
- The system has been indigenously designed and developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad, in collaboration with the Indian Army’s Corps of Air Defence.
- Approved for induction under the Fast Track Procurement (FTP) route for rapid rollout across all field formations.
Aim:
- To strengthen India’s defence preparedness against drone-based surveillance, weapon delivery, and airspace incursions.
- To ensure integrated airspace control up to 3,000 metres (10,000 feet) — the Air Littoral zone — enhancing situational awareness and response capability in modern hybrid warfare.
How It Works:
- Operates over the secure Army Data Network (ADN), integrating real-time inputs from all sensors, drones, and counter-UAS systems.
- Provides a GIS-based unified air picture that merges data from friendly, hostile, and neutral aerial entities.
- Integrates seamlessly with the Akashteer System, India’s automated air defence network, to intercept and neutralise threats instantly.
- Employs AI-based fusion technologies for automated threat classification and soft/hard kill decision-making.
Key Features:
- Real-Time Detection & Neutralisation: Detects, tracks, identifies, and neutralises hostile drones up to 3,000 m (Air Littoral) instantly.
- AI-Driven Fusion Technology: Uses AI/ML to classify drones as friendly, neutral, or hostile and trigger soft/hard kill responses automatically.
- Integrated Command & Control System: Combines sensors, radars, and weapons on a GIS-based digital grid for unified airspace control.
- Secure Army Data Network Connectivity: Operates over the encrypted ADN, enabling real-time, cyber-secure data sharing across formations.
- Interoperability with Akashteer: Linked with Akashteer Air Defence System for automated interception of aerial threats.
- Modular & Upgradable Design: Built for plug-and-play integration of new sensors, jammers, or laser/EMP systems.
- Unified Threat Picture: Displays combined air and ground threats on a single operational dashboard.
- Dual Soft & Hard Kill Capability: Employs jamming/spoofing (soft kill) and kinetic destruction (hard kill) based on threat level.
