Date : 12/06/2023

Relevance : GS Paper 3 : National Security GS Paper 3 : Indigenous Technology

Key Words: Project Akashteer, Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Ukraine - Russia Conflict, Missile System

Context -

• The Indian Army's focus on the northern borders following the 2020 stand-off with China, as well as lessons learned from the ongoing war in Ukraine, have influenced the modernization plans of the Army Air Defence (AAD).
• To address new threats with improved technology, the AAD is inducting a range of mostly indigenous systems and implementing a new automation initiatives.

Project Akashteer: Comprehensive Air Defence Solution

• Under Project Akashteer, a networking and automation project similar to the Indian Air Force's Integrated Air Command and Control System network, a comprehensive air defence picture will be built.
• This initiative, with a contract worth nearly ₹2,000 crore, aims to monitor, track, and shoot down air defence assets. The implementation of Project Akashteer is expected to be completed by March 2024, making it one of the fastest projects in the Army.

Addressing New Threats: Focus on Northern Borders

• The changing focus of the Army from the western border with Pakistan to the northern borders necessitates the procurement of lightweight radars and mobile weapon systems suitable for mountainous terrain and infantry requirements.
• Lessons from the conflict in Ukraine have highlighted the need to address new threats such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), loitering munitions, swarm drones, and cruise missiles.

Technological Advancements and Indigenous Systems

• To counter these evolving threats, the Indian Army is focusing on laser beam-riding Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) with night vision capabilities.
• Additionally, gallium nitride-based radar modules are being explored to reduce weight, which is crucial for operations in mountainous regions.

Enhanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems

• In March 2023, the Defence Ministry signed a contract worth over ₹8,160 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited for two regiments of improved Akash surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems.
• These regiments have been modified for mountainous operations based on a year of trials. The deliveries and induction of these systems are expected to take place in the next few years.

Challenges and Delays in Inductions

• While the modernization efforts are underway, officials acknowledge the global shortage of components and hardware for air defence systems due to the conflict in Ukraine.
• This shortage, particularly of imported chips for radars, may potentially slow down manufacturing and deliveries.

Conclusion

The Indian Army's efforts to enhance its air defence capabilities through the adoption of new technologies and indigenous systems reflect its commitment to countering evolving threats and safeguarding national security. The reorientation towards the northern borders, lessons from the Ukraine war, and the implementation of Project Akashteer demonstrate the Army's proactive approach in staying prepared for new challenges.

Source : The Hindu