Image Credit: Integrated Defence Staff
India to Build “Sudarshan Chakra” Air Defence by 2035
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of Mission Sudarshan Chakra, India’s plan to develop an indigenous, integrated air and missile defence system by 2035. The initiative is being compared to Israel’s Iron Dome and aims to protect both strategic assets and civilian areas from aerial threats.
Shield and Sword Strategy
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan described Sudarshan Chakra as both “shield and sword.” The system is expected to blend kinetic interceptors such as missiles and directed-energy weapons like lasers with “soft kill” measures including electronic warfare and cyber tools.
High-Tech Network Required
Chauhan emphasized that the mission would need a comprehensive tri-services approach. The system must integrate intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and command across land, air, sea, space, undersea, and cyberspace domains. He added that advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, big data, quantum computing, and analytics will be vital to its success.
Inspired by the Past, Built for the Future
The name “Sudarshan Chakra” is drawn from mythology, symbolizing Lord Krishna’s divine weapon. Modi said the mission reflects India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in defence. It comes in the wake of “Operation Sindoor,” where Indian forces demonstrated the growing importance of advanced air defence capabilities.
