New Delhi, Oct. 10 -- The Indian Army is set to procure and deploy a locally made counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) to bolster its capabilities to take down aerial threats, with Operation Sindoor putting the spotlight on the need for swift detection, coordinated response, and airspace control beyond traditional ground limits, officials aware of the matter said on Thursday. The C-UAS called SAKSHAM (capable) will allow the army to detect, track, identify, and neutralise hostile drones and other unmanned systems in real time, ensuring airspace security across the tactical battlefield space (TBS), the officials said, asking not to be named. TBS refers to an expanded domain that includes the air littoral or the airspace up to 10,000 feet. SAKSHAM stands for Situational Awareness for Kinetic Soft and Hard Kill Assets Management. The project was approved under the fast track procurement route, with roll-out to all field formations targeted within a year, HT has learnt. "After Operation Sindoor in May, the Indian Army has evolved its operational concept from the earlier tactical battle area (TBA) to the more inclusive TBS, recognising that future wars will be fought not just on land but also in the air littoral," said one of the officials cited above. This new approach, he said, ensures that the air littoral remains under control of ground forces, allowing unrestricted movement for friendly aerial assets while detecting, tracking, and neutralising hostile drones....