Indian Army Unveils Indigenous SAKSHAM Anti-Drone Grid

Strengthening India’s Air Defence Network

Indian Army Unveils Indigenous SAKSHAM Anti-Drone Grid: The Indian Army has unveiled SAKSHAM — Situational Awareness for Kinetic Soft and Hard Kill Assets Management — an indigenous Anti-Drone Grid that enhances real-time control over Indian airspace. This advanced system represents a milestone in the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and marks a decisive move toward self-reliant military technology.

Static GK fact: The Indian Army, established in 1895, is the land-based branch of the Indian Armed Forces, headquartered in New Delhi.

Development and Collaboration

The SAKSHAM system has been developed by the Indian Army in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad. Operating on the Army Data Network (ADN), it ensures secure communications between command centres and field units. This indigenous platform offers a unified Recognised Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Picture across the Tactical Battlefield Space (TBS), covering up to 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) above ground level.

Static GK Tip: BEL, founded in 1954, functions under the Ministry of Defence and is India’s premier defence electronics company.

Importance in Modern Warfare

The concept of Tactical Battlefield Space (TBS) gained importance following Operation Sindoor, where increased drone threats were observed during cross-border missions. Control of airspace has become equally vital as ground dominance in modern conflicts.

SAKSHAM enables real-time detection, tracking, identification, and neutralisation of hostile drones — providing an essential technological edge for the Indian Army in future conflicts.

Static GK fact: India ranks among the top five global military powers and spends around 2% of its GDP on defence annually.

Key Technological Features

Modular Grid System

SAKSHAM’s Modular Grid System links multiple counter-drone weapons, sensors, and communication units under a single command. This integration allows faster and more coordinated responses to aerial threats.

Multi-Sensor Fusion

The system combines inputs from radar, electro-optical sensors, and acoustic detectors, ensuring a comprehensive threat picture.

AI-Driven Threat Analysis

SAKSHAM uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyse threat data and automate responses — reducing decision-making time from minutes to seconds.

Field Ready for Induction

The system is being inducted through the Fast Track Procurement (FTP) route and is expected to be field-ready within a year.

Static GK Tip: The Fast Track Procurement procedure was introduced by the Ministry of Defence to speed up urgent defence acquisitions.

Aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat

SAKSHAM exemplifies India’s commitment to indigenous defence production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It reduces dependency on foreign technology and strengthens the domestic defence ecosystem through Make in India innovation.

This initiative not only safeguards national security but also contributes to the Defence Industrial Corridor vision, encouraging collaboration between the armed forces, public sector units, and private industries.

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Indian Army Unveils Indigenous SAKSHAM Anti-Drone Grid: