Defence Cooperation and Strategic Cooperation

I. Indigenous SAKSHAM Counter-Drone System of I. Indian Army.

• Activities: Indian Army has embarked on the acquisition of the locally developed counter-drone system called SAKSHAM.
• Full Name: Kinetic Soft and Hard Kill Asset Management Situation Awareness.
• Function: It is a combined command and control grid that is expected to identify, monitor, locate, and eliminate drones of the enemy in real-time.

Key Features:

• Offers a single air picture of up to 3,000 meters (10,000 feet).
• It was developed together with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and is based on the secure Army Data Network.
• Relies on threat analysis that is automated using AI.
• Brings many sensors and weapons to a single grid that is modular.

Significance:

• An indigenous system that is fully indigenous, which complies with the initiative of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Notified under Fast track Procurement (FTP) to induction within a year.
• The foundation of the future Counter-UAS capability of India is an air defence strategic leap.

II. India-US Military Cooperation: Naval Drill.

• Incident: On September 29, 2025, an Indian Navy INS Imphal and the US Navy USS Gridley conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the Arabian Sea.

• Activities: The training involved tactical manoeuvres, cross deck flying and anti-piracy training.

Context:

• This shows that the military collaboration between India and the US continues to be strong even in the face of other tension.
• It was the successor of the Yudh Abhyas 2025 joint army drill in Alaska.
• Future Perspective: Further work on strengthening of relationship between both countries will be developed during the next International Fleet Review and Milan 2026 in Visakhapatnam.
• This is indicative of India dual emphasis on strengthening of the domestic defence, and further strengthening strategic relationships.