India’s Multilayered Air Defence Shield Explained: IACCS, Akashteer and More

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What’s in Today’s Article?

During a media briefing on Operation Sindoor, the IAF showcased its Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), which provides a real-time feed of India’s air defence operations.
This system integrates radar, control centres, fighter jets, and ground-based defences to protect against aerial threats like enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles.

IACCS is an automated command and control system developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the Indian Air Force.
It integrates data from various air defence sources, including ground and airborne radars, civilian radar systems, communication nodes, and command centres.

The system provides real-time updates and a consolidated dataset to commanders at multiple levels.
This ensures comprehensive situational awareness during air operations and enhances decision-making in response to aerial threats.

IACCS supports central control with decentralised execution, enabling swift identification and response to threats.
It helps reduce reaction time and allows commanders to deploy air defence assets effectively.

Overlapping radar and radio coverage within IACCS ensures efficient airspace monitoring and reduces system redundancy, leading to better coordination and control of air defence operations.

Akashteer is the Indian Army’s air defence control and reporting system, designed to connect and coordinate its air defence units.
It enables monitoring of low-level airspace over battle zones and controls ground-based air defence weapon systems.

Currently operating on a smaller scale, Akashteer is being integrated with the Indian Air Force’s IACCS to ensure seamless coordination between Army and Air Force air defence operations.

The Indian military employs a multi-layered air defence system, combining various assets to detect and neutralise aerial threats at different ranges and altitudes.

Point Defence: Includes low-level air defence guns and shoulder-fired weapons.
Aerial Defence: Comprises fighter aircraft and long-range missiles.
Surveillance Grid: Utilises ground-based radars and airborne systems like (Airborne Warning and Control System) and AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning & Control) Systems, all integrated into the IACCS for real-time tracking and interception.

Layer 1: Counter-drone systems and MANPADS(Man-Portable Air Defence Systems).
Layer 2: Point air defence and short-range surface-to-air missiles (SR-SAM).
Layer 3: Medium-range surface-to-air missiles (MR-SAM).
Layer 4: Long-range surface-to-air missiles (LR-SAM).

Expanded Integration of Defence Assets
- The IAF has bolstered its air defence by deploying more radars and Surface to Air Guided Weapon (SAGW) systems, all integrated into the IACCS network at key sensitive bases.
Towards Tri-Service Coordination
- With the increasing complexity of modern warfare, IACCS will be pivotal in integrating air defence assets across the Army, Navy, and Air Force for a unified and coordinated response.
Embracing Advanced Technologies
- Future upgrades to IACCS will incorporate cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence for real-time threat analysis and enhanced situational awareness.