Why in News?
The Indian Army has started the procurement of the indigenously developed ‘Saksham’ Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) Grid
System, marking a significant advancement in India’s tactical air defence capabilities.
⚙️ About SAKSHAM System
- Full Form: Situational Awareness for Kinetic Soft and Hard Kill Assets Management (SAKSHAM)
- Developer: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
- Purpose: To counter and neutralise hostile drones and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) through an integrated command and control
framework. - Operation Platform: Functions over the secure Army Data Network (ADN).
- Coverage: Designed to secure the Tactical Battlefield Space (TBS) — including the Air Littoral Zone, i.e., airspace up to 3,000 metres
(10,000 feet) above ground level.
🧩 Key Features
Real-time Detection & Tracking
- Detects, identifies, and neutralises enemy drones instantly.
- Integrates data from multiple sensors for accurate target tracking.
Integrated Recognised UAS Picture (RUASP)
- Generates a comprehensive, real-time picture of all UAS activity.
- Merges data from radars, sensors, and counter-drone systems to support decision-making.
AI-Enabled Predictive Analysis
- Uses artificial intelligence for early threat prediction and response prioritisation.
- Provides automated decision support and 3D battlefield visualisation.
Interoperability and Integration
- Can link data from both friendly and hostile UAS, and combine soft-kill (jamming) and hard-kill (destruction) countermeasures.
- Operates on a GIS-based platform, ensuring spatial awareness of threats.
Integration with Akashteer System
- Works in coordination with the Akashteer Air Defence Control System, improving situational awareness of all airspace users —
friendly, neutral, and hostile — within the combat zone.
🛡️ Significance
- Enhanced Air Defence: Provides the Army with an indigenous, AI-driven system for countering emerging drone warfare threats.
- Tactical Superiority: Enables real-time situational awareness in low-altitude combat zones.
- Self-Reliance: Strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence technology.
- Interconnected Warfare Capability: Supports network-centric operations through seamless data sharing between battlefield systems.