New Delhi: India has officially launched Mission Sudarshan Chakra, an ambitious programme that aims to build a next-generation, multi-layered national air-defence and counter-drone shield by 2035. The initiative, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeks to secure major cities, vital military hubs, and key national infrastructure against emerging aerial threats.
Designed as a fully integrated defensive and offensive system, Mission Sudarshan Chakra focuses heavily on indigenisation, aligning with Make in India and IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) principles. The mission will consolidate India’s air-defence assets into a single, technologically advanced framework capable of handling everything from drones and UAVs to stealth aircraft, hypersonic missiles, and cross-border intrusions.
Core Goals of Mission Sudarshan Chakra
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Build the complete defence system domestically
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Use predictive and AI-driven technologies to prepare for future conflict scenarios
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Create precision countermeasures to neutralise infiltrating threats
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Integrate offensive and defensive capabilities under unified command networks
The project envisions a network of space-based sensors, aerial surveillance platforms, and ground radars, all linked to advanced countermeasure systems such as AI engines, lasers, directed-energy weapons, anti-drone swarms, jammers, and hardened kinetic interceptors. This multi-layered shield will be tailored to India’s unique threat matrix—functionally similar to Israel’s Iron Dome, but broader in scope.
Strategic Trigger and Government Backing
Heightened awareness of air defence vulnerabilities, particularly after Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir’s threats against Indian strategic installations, accelerated the mission’s rollout. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed complete government support, including capital expenditure funding to ensure timely implementation.
A specialised committee under DRDO and led by Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit will now prepare a detailed project report (DPR), marking the next major step toward operationalising the national shield.
Role of Indian Industry and L&T
Defence manufacturers—including Larsen & Toubro (L&T)—are actively exploring counter-drone technologies, such as:
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Soft-kill systems (jamming, spoofing)
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Hard-kill measures (anti-drone guns, interceptors, and close-range weapons)
Although private-sector investment in infrastructure-specific anti-drone systems is still in early stages, the evolving operational doctrine is expected to drive rapid industry participation.
While safeguarding sovereign assets remains the government’s responsibility, the broader counter-drone ecosystem will open meaningful avenues for Indian defence firms in the near future.
A Unified, Future-Ready Shield
Mission Sudarshan Chakra will link India’s air-defence and offensive mechanisms through platforms like the Indian Air Defence Command and Control System (IACCS), enabling real-time tri-service coordination. The system is expected to:
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Neutralise threats up to 500 km
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Respond instantly to short-range aerial incursions
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Execute precision retaliatory strikes through long-range and directed-energy weapons
Once complete, this mission will represent a transformative leap for India’s security architecture—delivering a self-reliant, technologically advanced, future-ready air-defence network built to withstand evolving global and regional challenges.
