Akashteer 2.0: DAC Previews 500+ Unit Expansion Post-MoD Surge

In a closed-door briefing at South Block today, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) previewed the most ambitious phase yet of India’s integrated air defense revolution: Akashteer 2.0—a networked, mobile, tri-service air defense system now slated for 500+ additional units by 2030.

The catalyst? The Ministry of Defence’s unprecedented 51% capital expenditure utilization in H1 FY26—₹92,211 crore already committed, including 200+ Akashteer systems delivered to the Army’s Air Defence Corps.

But Akashteer 2.0 is not just more units. It’s a paradigm shift.The system integrates:

• QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile) – 30 km range, 8 missiles per launcher
• DRDO SPYDER – Python-5 and Derby missiles
• Upgraded Schilka – 30mm CIWS for drone swarms
• AI-driven battle management – trained on AUSTRAHIND 2025 urban drone defense data

Coastal nodes will extend protection to Scorpène-class submarines during surfacing and ASW vessels like INS Androth, creating a layered shield from 50 m to 50,000 ft.

Production is already ramping:

• BEL Hyderabad: 300 command posts
• Tata Advanced Systems: 200 launchers
• L&T Pune: Radar arrays with gallium nitride (GaN) modules

The November DAC agenda is expected to clear ₹28,000 crore for:

• 200 Akashteer 2.0 systems for Army (Himalayan + Western Desert)
• 150 for Navy (coastal + carrier battle groups)
• 150 for IAF (forward air bases)
• Integration with Project Kusha (250 km endo-atmospheric interceptor)

For the first time, a single Akashteer node can hand off a target from a Netra AEW&C to a Tejas firing Astra Mk-2 to a QRSAM battery—all in under 40 seconds. This is Atmanirbhar Bharat in action: from reactor fuel to missile guidance, 94% indigenous.

As drone swarms and hypersonic threats redefine modern warfare, Akashteer 2.0 ensures India’s shield is not just strong—it’s smart, silent, and sovereign.