Indian PM unveils Sudarshan Chakra mission to fortify aerial defence by 2035

In his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of the Sudarshan Chakra Mission, a decade-long initiative to develop an advanced aerial defence and precision strike capability, drawing inspiration from Lord Krishna’s legendary weapon. The project aims to shield India’s skies against all aerial threats by 2035 with a fully indigenous system.

“Mission Sudarshan Chakra will enable a powerful weapon system which will not only neutralise the enemy’s attack but will also hit back at the enemy many times over,” Modi declared. He added, “the protective shield will keep expanding so that every citizen feels secure, and whatever kind of technology is used against India, our technology will prove to be superior,” Caliber.Az reports, citing Indian media.

The mission seeks to fuse India’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS)—a sophisticated, automated network linking radars, sensors, and missile systems—with an integrated rocket force capable of precision counterstrikes. “Like the precision of the Sudarshan Chakra, we will also make arrangements for targeted missile action,” Modi stated, highlighting the indigenous nature of the program with all research, development, and manufacturing conducted domestically.

Developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the IACCS provides real-time airspace monitoring through a network of Air Defence Direction Centres and Control and Reporting Centres connected via the AFNET communication grid. The system integrates weapon platforms including Akash, Barak-8, MR-SAM, and S-400, enabling rapid, coordinated responses to aerial threats. Recent AI enhancements bolster threat tracking and weapon allocation efficiency.

The mission follows India’s successful Operation Sindoor, which showcased the nation’s capability to swiftly counter enemy drones and missiles during intense aerial combat.

Modi emphasized the mission’s broader role under the Rashtra Suraksha Kavach initiative, noting it will protect critical national infrastructure: “Every place of national significance, critical infrastructure such as hospitals, religious sites, and other sensitive locations” will be shielded.

A defence analyst tweeted, “India will get its own version of the Iron Dome, it seems. The Sudarshan Chakra Mission,” underscoring the strategic significance of this indigenous shield.

With Sudarshan Chakra Mission, India aims to establish an unassailable aerial defence fortress, securing its skies and citizens with cutting-edge technology inspired by its rich cultural heritage.

By Vafa Guliyeva