Following the success of the Akashteer air defence command and control system during Operation Sindoor a year ago, the Indian Army has drawn up plans to integrate these systems on tracked armoured vehicles that will enhance their cross-country mobility and enable them to keep pace with armoured formations during manoeuvres.The Army is looking at procuring 83 indigenously manufactured systems, referred to as Carrier Air Defence Tracked (CADET), which would be fitted with Akashteer equipment to provide real time air defence control and reporting for self-propelled gun and missile units in mechanised formations, according to a request for proposal (RFP) issued by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) last week.“Army Air Defence has a need for a common tracked platform for serving as a carrier for a number of current and future equipment for employment in support of mechanised platforms in various units. CADET is the planned common platform to meet the above-mentioned need,” the RFP states. It would be merged with the new generation Integrated Battlefield Management System (BMS) and the Identification of Friend or Foe (IFF) System giving a common operational picture.The Army Air Defence, a combat support arm, is responsible for providing protective cover to field formations in the tactical battlefield area and point defence to static establishments, for which it is equipped with tracked and wheeled self propelled platforms as well as fixed weapon systems.At present, the Akashteer system is based on canisterised trucks. Though it makes it mobile and enables quick redeployment to cater to emerging tactical situations, trucks have limited cross-country mobility and protection vis-a-vis armoured vehicles. The Army is already using modified BMP armoured fighting vehicles as command posts, radar carriers and for other specialist tasks.Highly mobile air defence control and reporting assets, while providing field commanders with a real-time situational picture, also gives them greater operational flexibility to deal with threats in their immediate vicinity without having to depend upon rear echelons and thereby reducing the sensor-to-shooter loop.Developed by Bharat Electronics Limited, Akashteer is a fully automated network of different radars and sensors, and forms the core of the Army Air Defence. According to the MoD, it had a near 100 percent success rate in detecting and intercepting Pakistani drones and missiles during Operation Sindoor.Seamlessly connected with the IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) and Navy’s Trigun air defence network, it forms part of the broader C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) framework. This enables quick and effective use of both offensive and defensive weapons. Because all three systems work together, it improves situational awareness and allows for precise, powerful action.The CADET has been conceptualised as a high-powered tracked chassis with a suitable structure with space inside for comfortably accommodating a crew of at least five along with their personal weapons and the required technical components, as well as external attachment points for mounting various equipment and structures.The equipment being considered for fitment on the CADET platform includes the Akashteer component, integrated drone detection and interdiction system, drone kill system and vehicle mounted counter-swarm drone system.CADET will be deployed in all terrains like plains, deserts, semi-deserts and high altitude areas up to 16,000 feet, in temperatures ranging from minus 30 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius. It would be capable of operating both by day and night and equipped with navigation aids to facilitate cross country move.