SAKSHAM Anti-Drone Grid developed by Indian Army and BEL enhances airspace security with real-time detection and countermeasures against drones, boosting India’s defense capabilities.
Indian Army Unveils Indigenous ‘SAKSHAM’ Anti-Drone Grid to Strengthen Air Defence
Introduction to SAKSHAM
The Indian Army has launched ‘SAKSHAM’ (Situational Awareness for Kinetic Soft and Hard Kill Assets Management), an indigenous Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) grid designed to detect, track, identify, and neutralize hostile drones in real-time. Developed in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), this advanced system operates on the secure Army Data Network (ADN), providing a unified “Recognized UAS Picture” across the Tactical Battlefield Space (TBS), extending up to 3,000 meters above ground level.
Key Features and Capabilities
SAKSHAM integrates multiple sensors, including radar and electro-optical systems, with artificial intelligence-driven command and control modules. This integration enables the system to perform both soft-kill (jamming) and hard-kill (interception) countermeasures. The networked system ensures seamless coordination across various defense units, enhancing situational awareness and response times.
Strategic Importance
The deployment of SAKSHAM is a significant step towards enhancing India’s airspace security. It addresses the growing threat posed by drone incursions, particularly in sensitive border areas. By providing real-time detection and neutralization capabilities, SAKSHAM strengthens the Indian Army’s defensive posture and contributes to the nation’s self-reliance in defense technology.
Why This News is Important
Enhancing National Security
The introduction of SAKSHAM significantly bolsters India’s defense capabilities against aerial threats. With the increasing use of drones in modern warfare, having an indigenous system to counter such threats ensures the protection of critical infrastructure and sensitive areas.
Promoting Indigenous Defense Technology
Developed by Bharat Electronics Limited, SAKSHAM underscores India’s commitment to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India). This initiative not only showcases India’s technological advancements but also reduces dependency on foreign defense systems.
Real-Time Threat Neutralization
SAKSHAM’s ability to detect and neutralize drones in real-time enhances the Indian Army’s responsiveness to aerial threats. This capability is crucial in preventing potential attacks and ensuring the safety of personnel and assets.
Strengthening Border Security
Given the strategic importance of border areas, especially in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, SAKSHAM provides an effective solution to counter drone-based surveillance and attacks. Its deployment ensures comprehensive airspace control in these sensitive zones.
Aligning with Global Defense Trends
The adoption of advanced counter-drone technologies aligns India with global defense trends, where nations are increasingly focusing on neutralizing drone threats. SAKSHAM positions India as a proactive player in modern defense strategies.
Historical Context
The threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has been a growing concern for nations worldwide. In recent years, there have been instances where drones were used for surveillance and attacks, highlighting the need for robust countermeasures. India’s response to this emerging threat includes the development and deployment of indigenous systems like SAKSHAM. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance national security and self-reliance in defense technology.
Key Takeaways from ‘SAKSHAM’ Anti-Drone Grid
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | SAKSHAM is an indigenous Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). |
| 2. | The system operates on the secure Army Data Network (ADN), providing a unified “Recognized UAS Picture” across the Tactical Battlefield Space (TBS). |
| 3. | SAKSHAM integrates radar, electro-optical sensors, and AI-driven command modules for real-time drone detection and neutralization. |
| 4. | The system offers both soft-kill (jamming) and hard-kill (interception) countermeasures, enhancing defensive capabilities. |
| 5. | The deployment of SAKSHAM aligns with India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, promoting self-reliance in defense technology. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is SAKSHAM?
SAKSHAM stands for Situational Awareness for Kinetic Soft and Hard Kill Assets Management. It is an indigenous anti-drone (Counter Unmanned Aerial System) grid developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to detect, track, and neutralize hostile drones in real-time.
2. Who developed the SAKSHAM system?
The system was developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in collaboration with the Indian Army.
3. What are the key capabilities of SAKSHAM?
SAKSHAM integrates radar, electro-optical sensors, and AI-driven command modules. It provides both soft-kill (jamming) and hard-kill (interception) countermeasures to neutralize drones.
4. What is the operational range of SAKSHAM?
SAKSHAM can monitor and secure the airspace up to 3,000 meters above ground level, providing real-time situational awareness across the Tactical Battlefield Space (TBS).
5. Why is SAKSHAM important for India’s defense?
The system enhances India’s airspace security, protects critical infrastructure, strengthens border defense, and supports the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative by promoting indigenous defense technology.
6. Which network does SAKSHAM operate on?
It operates on the secure Army Data Network (ADN), enabling unified tracking and management of drones across various army units.
7. How does SAKSHAM align with global defense trends?
SAKSHAM reflects global efforts to counter unmanned aerial threats, positioning India as proactive in modern warfare and airspace defense technologies.
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