SAKSHAM System

The Indian Army has recently initiated the procurement of the SAKSHAM Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) Grid System, marking a significant step toward enhancing airspace security and countering drone threats on the battlefield.

About SAKSHAM System

The SAKSHAM system stands for Situational Awareness for Kinetic Soft and Hard Kill Assets Management. It is an indigenously developed and modular Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) designed to secure airspace in battlefield environments, especially against hostile drones and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

• Developed by: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a public sector company under the Ministry of Defence.

• Purpose: The system is designed to enhance situational awareness, enabling real-time detection, tracking, identification, and neutralization of hostile UAS in the airspace.

Key Features of the SAKSHAM System

1. Real-Time Detection and Tracking:

   • The SAKSHAM system is equipped to detect and track drones in real time, ensuring timely response to threats.

2. Integrated Recognised UAS Picture (RUASP):

   • It generates a real-time integrated UAS picture that provides commanders with an overview of the entire operational airspace. This combines sensor data, counter-drone systems, and AI-driven analytics for enhanced decision-making.

3. AI-Enabled Predictive Analysis:

   • The system leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) for predictive analysis, improving its ability to identify potential threats before they materialize.

   • AI-driven decision support helps commanders take swift and informed actions against enemy drones.

4. Comprehensive Data Integration:

   • The SAKSHAM system integrates its own data, as well as data from hostile UAS, C-UAS sensors, and both soft- and hard-kill systems (e.g., electronic jamming or direct kinetic destruction) on a common Geographic Information System (GIS)-based platform.

   • This integration ensures synchronized response and maximizes effectiveness in neutralizing threats.

5. Akashteer System Integration:

   • The system can also receive inputs from the Akashteer System, a radar and surveillance platform, further improving its situational awareness.

   • This integration helps map all airspace users (friendly, neutral, or hostile) within the combat zone, ensuring no threats are overlooked.

6. Tactical Battlefield Space (TBS):

   • SAKSHAM focuses on the newly defined Tactical Battlefield Space, which now includes the Air Littoral (the airspace up to 3,000 meters or 10,000 feet above ground level).

   • This expanded scope covers a wider operational area, making the system more effective for modern warfare scenarios.

Significance of SAKSHAM for the Indian Army

• Enhanced Security: With increasing threats from unmanned aerial systems (drones), especially in border regions and conflict zones, the SAKSHAM system significantly enhances the Indian Army’s capability to secure its airspace against aerial threats.

• Modular and Scalable: Its modular design allows for easy scaling and adaptation to different battlefield environments, ensuring that it can be deployed in various operational scenarios.

• Indigenous Technology: The SAKSHAM system underscores India’s growing capabilities in indigenous defense technology and reliance on domestic solutions to address modern warfare challenges.

Conclusion

The SAKSHAM system represents a major leap forward in India’s defense technology, providing the Indian Army with an advanced, AI-driven solution for countering the growing threat of drones and unmanned aerial systems. Its ability to integrate multiple technologies and sensors on a common platform and its predictive analysis capabilities make it a vital asset for ensuring airspace security in modern warfare.