The Indian Army has started deploying the indigenous SAKSHAM Counter Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Grid System. It detects, tracks, identifies, and neutralises hostile drones in real time. The system secures airspace up to 3,000 metres above the ground.
Operation Sindoor, where nearly 400 drones fired by Pakistan were neutralised, revealed the need for SAKSHAM. The Army upgraded its approach from Tactical Battle Area (TBA) to Tactical Battlefield Space (TBS). This allows forces to control both land and air littoral zones in modern conflicts.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) developed SAKSHAM with the Army. The system connects own and enemy UAS data, CUAS sensors, and soft/hard-kill systems on a GIS-based platform. It provides commanders with real-time information and a scalable, flexible architecture for evolving threats.
SAKSHAM uses AI-enabled threat analysis for faster decision-making. Fully indigenous, it supports India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision. The Fast Track Procurement route will speed up rollout. The Army plans to equip all field formations within a year, strengthening India’s counter-drone and battlefield capabilities.
