On the intervening night of May 8 and 9, Pakistan Armed Forces launched multiple drone and missile attacks along the entire Western Border, targeting Indian military and civilian areas in a bid to retaliate against India’s Operation Sindoor. The Indian Armed Forces responded decisively by deploying the indigenously developed Akashteer Air Defence System (ADS) along with the S-400 Sudarshan Chakra ADS, effectively neutralising the aerial threats.
According to defence sources, Pakistan’s attacks primarily targeted northern and western India, including strategically crucial areas such as Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Bathinda, and Chandigarh. Indian military installations in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab came under concentrated attacks from drones and munitions. However, the timely activation of India’s multi-layered air defence network, with Akashteer at its core, thwarted the Pakistani offensive, ensuring the safety of both civilians and defence assets.
Retaliation to Pakistan’s Provocation
As part of Operation Sindoor, India had earlier launched precision strikes targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In retaliation, Pakistan resorted to ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC), indiscriminately shelling civilian areas in Jammu and Kashmir.
Indian officials stated that Pakistan initiated a coordinated drone attack at around 15 locations across northern and western India. These included critical defence hubs, making the response from India’s Akashteer system vital in safeguarding national security. The S-400 Sudarshan Chakra ADS was also deployed to provide an additional layer of defence. Despite the intensity of the attack, no major damage or casualties were reported, as the Akashteer system intercepted and destroyed each aerial threat.
Akashteer: India’s Own ‘Iron Dome’
The Akashteer ADS, often hailed as India’s Iron Dome, is a command-and-control air defence platform designed for automated and rapid response to aerial threats. Developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the system is part of the Indian Army’s advanced Air Defence Control and Reporting System (ADCRS) and was inducted in phases starting in 2024.
Positioned along the Western Border, the Akashteer system integrates data from multiple radar sources, including early-warning systems, ground-based radars, AWACS, and AEW&C platforms. This creates a comprehensive real-time airspace monitoring web that enables precise tracking and interception of hostile aerial elements.
The system’s ability to fuse data from diverse sensors, including 3D Tactical Radars and Low-Level Lightweight Radars, has significantly enhanced the Indian military’s capacity to neutralise aerial threats in a timely manner. Its decentralised control framework allows front-line troops to make engagement decisions without delay, crucial for countering high-speed aerial incursions.
Ensuring Operational Efficiency
In response to the attacks, the Indian Armed Forces also activated the S-400 Sudarshan Chakra ADS to further bolster air defence. The Indian response, spearheaded by Akashteer, led to the destruction of multiple Pakistani drones, significantly curbing the adversary’s offensive capability.
The Defence Ministry emphasised that the Akashteer system, capable of handling real-time threat perception and response, played a pivotal role in maintaining aerial security. Its robust communication redundancy and scalability make it an adaptive platform for future combat scenarios.
India’s Defence Modernisation Efforts
The Defence Ministry had signed a contract worth Rs 1,982 crore with BEL in March 2023 to manufacture the Akashteer ADS under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. As of November 2024, 107 of the planned 455 units have been delivered, with the rest scheduled for completion by March 2027.
Experts believe that the integration of the Akashteer system marks a significant leap in India’s self-reliant defence strategy, particularly in light of increasing cross-border threats. The system’s capability to independently process and respond to aerial challenges without human intervention underscores its strategic importance.
With Akashteer and S-400 working in tandem, India has solidified its defensive posture against asymmetric warfare tactics employed by adversaries. The swift and coordinated response during the May 8 and 9 incidents has reaffirmed India’s commitment to protecting its territorial integrity.
India’s Advanced Air Defence System
India has emerged as a global force in aviation and defence, rapidly climbing the ranks to become one of the top five air power nations worldwide. With a robust fleet of around 1,750 aircraft, including nearly 900 fighter jets ready for combat, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has significantly bolstered its defensive and offensive capabilities. This rapid expansion in military prowess is attributed to recent acquisitions and technological advancements that have enhanced India’s regional and global defence posture. Among these acquisitions, the deal for 26 Rafale fighter jets from France stands out as a strategic leap forward, providing India with cutting-edge combat capabilities.
The Rafale jets, known for their advanced avionics and multi-role functionality, are expected to significantly boost India’s deterrence power. With enhanced precision and combat readiness, these jets add a new dimension to India’s air power, allowing it to counter aerial threats with greater efficacy. Alongside the Rafales, India’s defence network has been reinforced with a mix of long-range and short-range missile systems, including the formidable S-400 Triumph air defence system. Known for its ability to engage threats up to 400 kilometers away, the S-400 serves as a vital component of India’s multi-layered air defence infrastructure.
In addition to the S-400, India’s indigenous advancements, such as the Akash-NG missile system, play a crucial role in the nation’s defence strategy. Capable of intercepting aerial threats within a range of 70-80 kilometers, Akash-NG complements the country’s long-range defences by addressing medium-range threats efficiently. Furthermore, the Barak-8 system, developed in collaboration with Israel, adds another layer of security against cruise missiles and enemy aircraft. This synergy of imported and indigenously developed systems underscores India’s commitment to building a robust, technologically advanced air defence network.
Looking ahead, India is also focused on strengthening its short-range defence capabilities. The Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) system, designed to counter low-flying threats like drones and helicopters, is set to enhance frontline defence. Additionally, India’s strides in hypersonic missile technology mark a significant step towards maintaining strategic superiority.
The Defence Ministry reiterated its commitment to maintaining a robust and dynamic air defence network. The successful deployment of the Akashteer ADS during the recent confrontation highlights India’s readiness to counter emerging threats while prioritising the safety of its civilians and armed forces personnel.
