How India stopped a barrage of drones, missiles, and destroyed Pakistan's air defence
India's Air Defence Systems
Akashteer was activated to neutralise Pakistani attack
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What is Akashteer?
Fused sensor network for unified air picture
Automation speeds up threat response
Decentralised engagement authority
Real-time multi-source data integration
System designed for redundancy and future upgrades
Flexible setup for different formations
Phased deployment underway
Harpy Drone Targets Pakistan's Air Defence
Pakistan's Air Defence
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Air Defence (AD) systems are key military installations designed to safeguard against aerial threats, including aircraft, missiles, drones, and helicopters. India's defence forces use a multi-layered air defence strategy to detect, track, and neutralize airborne dangers. These systems rely on various components, including radar systems, surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), and mobile air defence units, to form an integrated protective network.India's air defence arsenal includes several advanced systems designed to offer protection across different ranges and capabilities. Among the most prominent is the S-400 Triumf , a surface-to-air missile system with a range of 380 km. India secured a deal with Russia in October 2018 worth Rs 40,000 crore for the delivery of three squads, although the final two squads are delayed until 2026-27 due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.The Barak-8 MR-SAM, developed jointly with Israel, has a range of over 70 km. A significant number of these systems are being progressively inducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF), Navy, and Army. Additionally, the Akash system, which has a 25 km range, has seen the IAF induct 15 squads of Akash 1 and 2 systems for Rs 10,900 crore. The Army has also received four regiments worth Rs 22,340 crore, with more systems in the pipeline.India also uses the Spyder system, an Israeli low-level quick-reaction anti-aircraft missile with a 15 km range, and shorter-range Russian systems like the Igla-S, Igla-1M, and Pechora missiles for immediate defence.Pakistan's retaliatory strike came hours after India's targeted operation. Indian defence forces responded swiftly by activating Akashteer, an air defence control and reporting system developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The system worked alongside the S-400 to neutralise the aerial threats. Akashteer is a fully automated and integrated air defence system designed for the Indian Army. It aims to enhance the speed, coordination, and effectiveness of India's air defence operations.Akashteer integrates land-based sensors from both the Army Air Defence and the Indian Air Force. This sensor fusion provides a seamless, shared airspace picture, accessible even to lower-level operational units.The system eliminates manual data entry, enabling faster responses to aerial threats. This is crucial as aircraft at supersonic speed can cover up to 18 kilometres in one minute. Automation ensures defence units lose no time in reacting.Akashteer gives local units the authority to make engagement decisions, which is vital for border areas. This decentralisation allows for rapid response without the risk of friendly fire due to controlled engagement protocols.Using data from 3D tactical radars, lightweight radars, and the Akash Weapon System, Akashteer offers a layered and real-time view of the airspace. This helps Indian forces respond quickly and plan effectively.Akashteer is built with communication redundancies to ensure continued operation under challenging conditions. Its design supports both software and hardware upgrades, making it adaptable to future defence needs.The system has mobile platforms for strike formations and fixed platforms for pivot formations. This flexibility allows Akashteer to be deployed across various terrains and operational requirements.Out of 455 systems planned, 107 had been delivered by November 2024. Another 105 systems were expected by March 2025. The rest will be delivered by March 2027, covering defence units across the Indian Army.In response to Pakistani air defence capabilities, India reportedly used the Israeli-made Harpy drone against Pakistani radar and air defence targets. The Harpy is a loitering munition, designed to fly in a specific area and attack targets autonomously by homing in on radar signals. Its primary function is to suppress and destroy enemy air defences, a role described by its maker, Israel Aerospace Industries, as "suppression and destruction of enemy air defences (SEAD/DEAD)."The Harpy has a maximum speed of 225 knots (over 400 km/h) and an endurance of up to 9 hours, making it an effective tool in neutralizing adversary air defence systems. It carries a 16 kg warhead and is equipped to strike key targets when intercepting radiation emitted by systems like radar.Pakistan's air defence relies heavily on imports from China, which has supplied over 80% of Pakistan's major weaponry since 2014. These include air defence systems, advanced fighter jets, drones, and frigates. Notably, Pakistan has deployed the Chinese-made HQ-9 series long-range surface-to-air missiles, comparable to Russia's S-300/400 systems. The HQ-9/P, with a range of around 125 km, was inducted into the Pakistani military in 2021. By 2022, Pakistan also deployed the HQ-9BE variant, capable of targeting up to 250 km.
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