Why in news?
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) unveiled the Saksham Counter‑Unmanned Aircraft System (C‑UAS) Grid in October 2025. The integrated network aims to detect, track and neutralise hostile drones across wide areas such as airports, industrial zones and border regions.
The need for counter‑UAS solutions
The proliferation of affordable drones has increased threats to security infrastructure. Smugglers and militant groups have used drones to drop weapons and drugs across the border, while rogue drones have disrupted airports. India has successfully used jammers and anti‑drone guns at specific locations, but a coordinated grid was lacking.
How the Saksham Grid works
- Networked sensors: A network of radars, radio frequency detectors and electro‑optical sensors continuously scans the airspace for small unmanned aircraft.
- Centralised command: Data from multiple sensors is fused at a command centre that identifies drone type, payload and trajectory in real time.
- Multiple countermeasures: Depending on the threat, the grid can deploy radio jamming, GPS spoofing or directed‑energy weapons to disrupt or destroy the drone.
- Scalable coverage: Modular architecture allows the grid to cover a small facility or expand across a region. It can integrate with existing air defence networks.
- Data analytics: Artificial intelligence analyses patterns of drone incursions, helping authorities anticipate future threats.
Significance
The Saksham Grid addresses evolving aerial threats and supports homeland security. Its development by a public sector company demonstrates indigenous capability. Successful deployment will require training personnel, respecting airspace regulations and coordinating with civil aviation authorities. As drones become ubiquitous, balancing security and promoting legitimate drone use will be crucial.