- May 1, 2026
Indian Army Initiates Procurement of 83 Tracked Carriers to Deploy Akashteer Air Defence System
In a significant step towards strengthening battlefield air defence mobility, the Indian Army has initiated the procurement process for 83 specialised tracked carriers designed to support the deployment of the advanced Akashteer Air Defence System.
The move comes as part of a broader modernization push by the Ministry of Defence to enhance real-time air defence capabilities in high-intensity combat environments. According to recent developments, a Request for Proposal (RFP) has been issued for these Carrier Air Defence Tracked (CADET) platforms, which will serve as mobile nodes for the Akashteer system.
Enhancing Mobile Air Defence Capabilities
The proposed tracked carriers are specifically engineered to operate alongside mechanised formations, including tanks and armoured units. Unlike wheeled platforms, tracked vehicles provide superior mobility across rugged terrains such as deserts, mountainous regions, and high-altitude zones-ensuring uninterrupted air defence coverage on the frontline.
These systems will function as mobile command-and-control units, enabling seamless coordination between sensors, radars, and weapon systems. The objective is to deliver a fully networked and responsive air defence shield capable of countering evolving aerial threats, including drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft.
Role of Akashteer System
Developed indigenously, the Akashteer system represents a next-generation air defence control and reporting framework. It integrates multiple surveillance and weapon platforms into a unified digital grid, allowing real-time threat detection and response.
The system is designed to process battlefield data rapidly and automate decision-making, thereby reducing response times in high-threat scenarios. It plays a critical role in enabling “plug-and-fight” capability, allowing dispersed units to operate cohesively within a network-centric warfare environment.
Strategic Context and Operational Need
The requirement for such mobile air defence platforms gained urgency following operational lessons from recent border tensions, where the need for integrated and mobile air defence systems became evident.
With increasing proliferation of drone warfare and precision-guided munitions, the Army aims to establish a layered and adaptive air defence architecture that can keep pace with fast-moving armoured formations.
Key Features of the Proposed Tracked Carriers
- High mobility to operate in diverse terrains alongside tanks
- Integrated command-and-control systems for real-time coordination
- Capability to counter drones, UAV swarms, and aerial threats
- Enhanced survivability with armoured protection and climate-controlled cabins
- Navigation systems compatible with modern satellite networks
Additionally, the platforms are expected to be deployable via strategic airlift, enabling rapid induction into forward areas during contingencies.
Boost to Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
The procurement aligns with the government’s “Make in India” initiative, emphasizing indigenous development and production of defence systems. The integration of Akashteer with domestically developed tracked platforms underscores India’s push towards self-reliance in critical military technologies.
The induction of these 83 tracked carriers is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Army’s operational readiness, particularly in mechanised warfare scenarios. By ensuring continuous and mobile air defence coverage, the initiative marks a crucial step in modernising India’s battlefield capabilities against emerging aerial threats.