Mission Sudarshan Chakra: India’s Indigenous Air Defence System

While addressing the nation on the 79th Independence Day, PM Modi announced Mission Sudarshan Chakra. The mission promises a fully Indian-made defence shield by 2035, aiming to ensure that every citizen feels secure and protected.

• Relevant for UPSC Prelims & Current Affairs.
• Relevant for Mains GS Paper III (Security, Technology).
• Important for Essay and Interview discussions on India’s security, indigenous defence, policy initiatives, and leadership.

Mission Sudarshan Chakra is India's indigenous version of an Iron Dome-like defence system, designed to create a multi-layered aerial defence shield.

• The system gets its name from the Sudarshan Chakra, Lord Krishna’s divine disc, a symbol of sharp precision, incredible speed, and unwavering protection.
• Unlike systems that only defend, this mission stops threats and counterattacks, providing comprehensive and balanced protection.

The announcement comes soon after India’s successful Operation Sindoor in May 2025, marking a shift from defence dependence to self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Mission Sudarshan Chakra aims to achieve several critical objectives by 2035:

• Comprehensive Protection: Safeguard strategic military installations, civilian infrastructure, and religious sites.
• Multi-Domain Defence: Counter threats across air, land, and sea domains.
• Indigenous Development: Complete research, development, and manufacturing within India.
• Deterrence Enhancement: Create both defensive and offensive capabilities.

The mission will integrate cutting-edge technologies to create an impenetrable defence network:

• AI-Powered Systems: Artificial intelligence for real-time threat assessment and response coordination.
• Multi-Layered Interceptors: Various missile systems capable of engaging targets at different ranges.
• Advanced Radar Networks: 24/7 surveillance and early warning systems.
• Cyber Defence: Robust cybersecurity measures against digital threats.
• Directed Energy Weapons: Laser systems for drone and low-altitude threat neutralisation.

Also read: Patriot Air Defence Missile System: Features and Capabilities

Mission Sudarshan Chakra will build upon India's current defence infrastructure:

• S-400 Systems: The Russian-made systems, already dubbed "Sudarshan Chakra" in Indian service, form the long-range backbone.
• Akash Prime: Indigenous short-range air defence for drone and aircraft interception.
• Project Kusha: DRDO's upcoming indigenous long-range system comparable to Russia's S-500.
• IACCS Integration: Seamless coordination through the Integrated Air Command and Control System.

Mission Sudarshan Chakra is India’s effort to stand alongside the world’s best defence systems, offering unmatched speed, accuracy, and protection.

Also read: Sudhanshu Shukla: First Indian to Pilot Axiom 4 Mission

Mission Sudarshan Chakra is vital for protecting India’s skies, advancing homegrown defence technology, and strengthening the nation’s strategic position. Here’s how it aims to achieve this:

• Border Security: With hostile neighbours like Pakistan and China possessing advanced missile systems, India needs robust air defence coverage. For example, S-400 shot down Pakistani drones during Operation Sindoor 2025.
• Critical Infrastructure Shield: Protecting power plants, airports, hospitals, and religious sites from aerial attacks maintains societal stability.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat Vision: Developing indigenous defence technology reduces dependency on foreign suppliers and builds strategic autonomy. For example, DRDO’s Project Kusha M1 hit a test drone on its first trial.
• Technology Leadership: Creating advanced AI-powered defence systems establishes India as a global technology leader.
• Military Superiority: Advanced air defence ensures India maintains an edge over regional competitors in aerial warfare.
• Multi-Domain Protection: Covers air, cyber, and physical threats through a single unified network.

While PM Modi’s vision for Mission Sudarshan Chakra is bold, building such an advanced system comes with challenges that must be carefully managed to meet the 2035 goal.

• Stealth Detection: Modern stealth aircraft can evade radar, making tracking difficult.
• Hypersonic Interception: Mach-5+ missiles require technology still under development.
• Drone Swarms: Coordinating defence against hundreds of small, fast drones is complex.
• Mixed Systems Integration: Linking Russian, Israeli, and Indian systems into one network strains compatibility.
• Real-Time Coordination: Ensuring radars and sensors share data instantly without lag.
• Indigenous Radar Gaps: Developing long-range radars matching global standards remains a challenge.
• Missile Interceptor Technology: Developing reliable interceptors for ranges of 150–350 km requires advanced R&D.

Despite the challenges, India’s focus on self-reliance and achievements, such as Operation Sindoor, make it likely that Mission Sudarshan Chakra will succeed by 2035.

Also read: Modernising India's Defence

India must accelerate and refine Mission Sudarshan Chakra to ensure a timely, resilient, and future-ready defence.

• Fast-track Project Kusha to hit 2028 milestones.
• Build more production hubs for scale.
• Boost AI and radar research for evolving threats.
• Fortify cyber defences alongside missile shields.
• Hold joint exercises with friendly nations.
• Train specialists to operate advanced systems.

Together, these steps will strengthen India’s skies and secure its future.

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