What is ‘Saksham’, the Indian Army’s new indigenous counter-unmanned aerial system?

In a major step to strengthen its air defence, the Indian Army has introduced “Grid”, an in-house counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) that can detect, track, identify and destroy hostile drones in real time. 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.

What is capable?

“Enabled” is short 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 a command backbone that integrates radar, sensor, soft-kill, and hard-kill capabilities under a “recognized UAS picture” rather than being a single weapon.

The system, built 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) – an area up to 3,000 meters (10,000 ft) above the ground.

Why is the Indian Army inducting it?

Responding to emerging threats

Recent incidents of drone intrusions into disputed areas, particularly during Operation Vermillion, when multiple hostile UAVs reportedly threatened established air defense layers, have prompted calls for capable.

battlefield expansion

The Army has expanded the notion of Tactical Battle Area (TBA) to the more inclusive Tactical Battlefield Space (TBS) to include the air littoral, or the area above 3,000 meters (~10,000 ft) above the ground. Saksham is designed to protect that area.

Indigenous speed and capability

The project, made in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), has been authorized through the fast-track procurement method, allowing quick deployment across field structures.

networked warfare vision

The introduction of Saksham matches the Army’s broader “Decade of Transformation (2023-2032)” strategy, which places a strong focus on multidomain integration, digitalization, 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 about a year. Once operational, Saksham is expected to serve as the foundation of India’s C-UAS grid, especially for the “air littoral” zone directly above troops on the ground.

strategic importance

The Army wants greater defense autonomy by integrating the capable, in line with the goals of a self-reliant India. It is anticipated that the deployment of Saksham will improve situational awareness, shorten kill chains, avoid aerial unpredictability, and allow cooperative drone activities to operate freely even in conflict areas.