The Indian Army has initiated the procurement of an indigenously developed Counter Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Grid System named ‘SAKSHAM’, designed to detect, track, identify, and neutralise hostile drones and aerial threats in real time.
The system will secure airspace within what the Army now defines as the Tactical Battlefield Space (TBS) — an expanded operational domain that includes the airspace up to 3,000 metres above ground, known as the Air Littoral.
The need for such a system became evident during Operation Sindoor, when hostile drone activity highlighted the lack of integrated detection and response mechanisms. In response, the Army evolved its operational framework from the Tactical Battle Area (TBA) to the more comprehensive TBS, recognising that future conflicts will extend into the low-altitude airspace directly above the battlefield.
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 system. It operates on the secure Army Data Network and integrates data from multiple sources to generate a real-time Recognised UAS Picture (RUASP) for all formations.
The system links Counter-UAS sensors, soft- and hard-kill systems, and battlefield management tools through a GIS-based interface. It also connects with the Akasheer System to map all airspace users, including friendly and neutral platforms.
Key features include:
- Real-time integration of CUAS weapons and sensors for coordinated responses.
- AI-enabled threat analysis and predictive identification.
- Automated decision support and battlefield visualisation tools.
- Interoperability with other operational and airspace management systems.
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SAKSHAM is fully indigenous and aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing. Incorporating AI-based fusion and scalable architecture, the system has been approved under the Fast Track Procurement (FTP) route, with rollout planned across field formations within a year.
Once operational, SAKSHAM will form the backbone of the Indian Army’s Counter-UAS grid, enabling commanders to monitor both ground and aerial threats simultaneously. It is expected to enhance situational awareness, speed up decision-making, and improve airspace control across the Tactical Battlefield Space.
The initiative is part of the Army’s broader Decade of Transformation (2023–2032), focused on building a technologically advanced and digitally enabled battlefield ecosystem.
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