Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a key Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Defence, has come into the spotlight amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions and the success of Operation Sindoor, after the company’s AI-powered Akashteer Air Defence System played a decisive role in intercepting hostile drones and missiles from across the border.
Akashteer, a fully indigenous, AI-powered air defense platform, was jointly developed by BEL, DRDO, and ISRO. The system successfully intercepted Pakistani drones, loitering munitions, and missiles, preventing them from entering Indian airspace, according to multiple official sources and reports by DD News.
Described as India’s first operational AI war-cloud built without foreign components or satellite dependencies, Akashteer demonstrated superiority over Pakistan’s air defense infrastructure. While Pakistan’s HQ-9 and HQ-16-based systems failed to detect Indian strikes and respond effectively, Akashteer conducted real-time tracking, target engagement, and interception with autonomous precision.
A DD News post on X highlighted that Akashteer automates the detection, tracking, and engagement of enemy threats by integrating radar systems, sensors, and communication technology into a single operational framework. It provides a real-time air picture to command centers, enabling coordinated defense responses.
Founded in 1954, BEL has long been the backbone of India’s defense electronics ecosystem, producing systems for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. With expansion into space electronics, smart cities, and homeland security, BEL is now being seen as the vanguard of India’s next-generation AI warfare capabilities.
With Akashteer proving its mettle on the battlefield, BEL shares have been gaining steadily amid rising geopolitical tensions, as investors bet on its deepening role in India’s strategic defense response.
