In a decisive move to counter the proliferation of aerial threats, the Indian Army has accelerated the induction of SAKSHAM (Situational Awareness for Kinetic Soft and Hard Kill Assets Management), a fully indigenous command-and-control system.
Developed in partnership with the state-owned Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), this advanced platform is set to revolutionise how the Army manages drone threats by creating a unified, real-time defence grid.
Securing the Tactical Battlefield Space
The procurement marks a strategic shift in the Army's operational philosophy, specifically targeting the newly defined Tactical Battlefield Space (TBS).While traditional surveillance focused on higher altitudes, the TBS concept prioritises the "Air Littoral"—the airspace extending up to 3,000 metres (approximately 10,000 feet) above the ground.
This zone has increasingly become the preferred domain for loitering munitions, quadcopters, and other low-flying unmanned systems in modern conflicts.
SAKSHAM bridges the critical gap between ground-based units and aerial surveillance.
By operating on the secure Army Data Network (ADN), it ensures that commanders receive a consolidated "Recognised UAS Picture" (RUP) without delay, enabling precise responses to hostile platforms that might otherwise evade conventional radar.
AI-Driven Fusion and Response
At the heart of SAKSHAM is a sophisticated, modular architecture designed to fuse data from a diverse array of sources.The system integrates inputs from radars, radio frequency (RF) detectors, electro-optical/infrared sensors, and existing surveillance assets into a single, comprehensive operational view.
To manage the volume of data in high-stress environments, SAKSHAM employs advanced Artificial Intelligence. These algorithms automate the entire kill chain—detecting, classifying, and prioritising targets instantly.
By drastically reducing the "sensor-to-shooter" loop, the system provides commanders with immediate engagement options, minimising decision latency when minutes or even seconds count.
Seamless Integration and Strategic Autonomy
According to defence officials, SAKSHAM will serve as the backbone of India's Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) grid.It is designed to be fully interoperable with existing air defence networks, including the recently inducted Project Akashteer, ensuring a layered and coordinated shield over sensitive border areas and critical military installations.
The system’s approval under the Fast Track Procurement (FTP) route highlights the urgency of the requirement.
Reports suggest that the Army aims to field these units within 12 months, a timeline that reflects the pressing need to counter evolving threats observed in recent security challenges, such as those seen during Operation Sindoor in early 2025.
Commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat
The development of SAKSHAM is a significant milestone for the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative.By relying on indigenous technology for critical algorithms and command structures, the Indian Army retains full control over future upgrades and system security, reducing dependence on foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
“This is about more than drones—it’s about autonomy, speed, and control of our battlespace,” a defence source noted, underscoring the platform's role in ensuring future battlefield dominance.
