Akashteer: India’s Indigenous ‘Iron Dome’ That Thwarted Pakistani Missile and Drone Attacks
- MGMMTeam
- May 9
- 3 min read
On the night of May 7th, shortly after India executed precise airstrikes as part of Operation Sindoor, Pakistan launched a retaliatory strike targeting multiple military sites within India. Official reports indicate that the Pakistani military carried out a coordinated attack on at least 15 locations across northern and western India, including strategic cities such as Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Bathinda, and Chandigarh, which are located near vital defense infrastructure.
In response, the Indian military activated the Akashteer system—an indigenous command-and-control air defense platform, often referred to as India's ‘Make in India’ version of the Iron Dome—to intercept and neutralize the incoming Pakistani missiles.
Sources reveal that India deployed the Akashteer system, recently stationed along the western front, to create a high-tech digital defense barrier over the Line of Control and the international border. This system integrated data from multiple radar sources, including ground-based radars and airborne early warning systems, generating real-time information that enabled precise tracking of aerial threats. As a result, the Indian forces successfully intercepted and neutralized every missile fired from across the border that night, preventing any potential damage to the intended targets.
What is Akashteer System?
Akashteer is a state-of-the-art Air Defence Control and Reporting System (ADCRS) developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the Indian Army. It is engineered to oversee low-altitude airspace surveillance and coordinate the operation of ground-based air defence weapons in frontline combat areas. Serving as the digital command hub of India’s air defence infrastructure, Akashteer integrates data from various radars and sensors—including AWACS and AEW&C platforms—into a unified, real-time operational picture, enabling swift and automated engagement decisions.
Why Was Akashteer Deployed?
After the Indian Air Force executed pre-dawn precision strikes on May 7, Indian military forces expected a potential retaliatory move from Pakistan. That very night, Pakistan launched missiles aimed at multiple Indian cities housing military infrastructure. In response, the Akashteer system was promptly activated as soon as Indian jets returned to base and radar systems began registering incoming threats. This advanced system enabled swift threat analysis, efficient command transmission, and real-time coordination among defense units. According to sources, all incoming Pakistani missiles were successfully intercepted, with no damage or breach to Indian airspace or installations.
How does Akashteer function?
The Akashteer system integrates data from ground-based radars, airborne sensors, and other surveillance platforms to provide a real-time, high-resolution airspace overview across India's border regions and critical sectors. This consolidated view enables commanders to accurately detect, classify, and react to threats with precision.
When a threat is confirmed, Akashteer coordinates missile interceptors, guns, and electronic countermeasures through an automated decision-making loop, significantly reducing response time.
Additionally, the system is mobile — its command centers are mounted on vehicles, allowing for quick deployment to forward areas based on threat assessment. Notably, it is fully compatible with the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), facilitating seamless joint operations.
Is Akashteer modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome?
It’s not exactly the same, but there are some common goals.
The Iron Dome is a missile defense system designed to physically destroy incoming rockets and artillery shells. It’s widely used in Israel to shield urban areas.
Akashteer, however, isn’t an interceptor itself. It functions as a command-and-control system — processing data from radars, overseeing anti-aircraft systems, and ensuring that every airborne threat is identified and responded to in real-time.
You can think of Akashteer as the "central hub" of India’s ground-based air defense, coordinating all sensors, weapons, and communication networks.
The Significance of This Deployment
This marks the first verified deployment of the Akashteer system in an active conflict. Its performance during this critical engagement represents a significant milestone in India’s efforts to modernize its military with domestically developed, technology-driven solutions.
Although Akashteer does not launch missiles like Israel's Iron Dome, it plays a crucial role in the air defense network — managing, coordinating, and overseeing every phase of a defensive operation, from detection to interception. Essentially, it allows India’s layered defense systems to operate with the precision, speed, and autonomy necessary for modern hybrid warfare.
With Akashteer now integrated into various sectors, India’s air defense capabilities have entered a new era, one characterized not just by firepower, but by interconnected intelligence and homegrown innovation.
Comments