New Delhi: The Indian Army has introduced SAKSHAM, an in-house Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) “grid” that can detect, track, identify, and destroy hostile drones in real time, as a major step to strengthen its aerial defence.
According to the Army, SAKSHAM offers features including 3D battlefield visualization, real-time threat detection, AI-enabled predictive analysis, and sensor and weapon integration for synchronized response.
“Saksham” is the acronym for Situational Awareness for Kinetic Soft and Hard Kill Assets Management. It detects, tracks, identifies, and eliminates hostile unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in real time, using a modular command-and-control grid system.
It serves as the command backbone that unifies radars, sensors, soft-kill, and hard-kill capabilities under a single “Recognised UAS Picture,” rather than being a single weapon.
The system, created in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad, uses the secure Army Data Network (ADN) to provide a single “Recognized UAS Picture” over the recently established Tactical Battlefield Space (TBS) — which is a region up to 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) above the ground.
Responding to evolving threats
Recent instances of drone incursions in disputed areas, especially during Operation Sindoor, when several hostile UAVs allegedly threatened established air defence layers, have fuelled calls for Saksham.
The Army has expanded the notion of the Tactical Battle Area (TBA) to the more inclusive Tactical Battlefield Space (TBS) to encompass the Air Littoral, or the area up to 3,000 meters (~10,000 feet) above ground. Saksham is designed to protect that area.
Indigenous speed and capability
The project, created in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), has been authorized through the fast-track procurement method, allowing for quick deployment throughout field formations.
Networked combat vision
Saksham’s introduction corresponds with the Army’s overarching “Decade of Transformation (2023–2032)” strategy, which places a strong focus on multidomain integration, digitization, autonomy, and artificial intelligence.
Deployment and Timelines
The project was approved through the Fast Track Procurement (FTP) process to expedite deployment. The Army plans to implement it in all field units in approximately a year. Saksham is expected to serve as the foundation of India’s C-UAS grid once it is operational, particularly for the “Air Littoral” zone that lies directly above ground soldiers.
Strategic Significance
The Army wants more defence autonomy by integrating Saksham, in line with Atmanirbhar Bharat’s goals. It is anticipated that Saksham’s deployment will improve situational awareness, shorten kill chains, avoid aerial unexpectedness, and allow cooperative drone activities to operate freely even in areas that are under conflict.
