New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday made a major announcement regarding the development of the indigenous-built air defence system Sudarshan Chakra during his Independence Day address. The weapon system will be operational by 2035. The idea to develop an Israel’s Iron Dome–like system reportedly gained momentum after Operation Sindoor.
Mission Sudarshan Chakra aims to create an integrated aerial defence system to counter threats to the nation’s security.
“Operation Sindoor has shown why being self-reliant in the world of defence and security matters. Likewise, we need to be self-reliant in areas like technology, space, and energy. Through our Nuclear Energy Mission, we aim to increase nuclear energy capacities and involve private players,” the Prime Minister said.
Inspired by Lord Krishna, the weapon system will be powered by cutting-edge technology.
According to the government, Sudarshan Chakra will protect every key installation in the country.
“By 2035, every critical site—from hospitals to railways, temples to military hubs—will be safeguarded by an unbreachable, AI-driven defence system. Inspired by Lord Krishna’s Sudarshan Chakra, this indigenous weapon will neutralise attacks, strike back harder, predict threats in advance, and return safely after precision missions,” the government said.
Notably, Sudarshan Chakra was Lord Krishna’s divine weapon, symbolising righteousness and the destruction of evil.
What is Sudarshan Chakra?
It is expected to be a nationwide network of radars, command-and-control centres, and interceptor missiles, capable of detecting enemy threats and neutralising them.
“A nationwide network of radars, command-and-control centres, and interceptor missiles, capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralising incoming missiles, drones, artillery shells, and even swarms or loitering munitions in real time, with artificial intelligence likely playing a central role,” a senior government official told News18.
The weapon system is likely to form part of a multi-layered strategy. It will operate alongside existing air defence systems, including QR-SAM, S-400, and Akash.
Mission Sudarshan Chakra will provide a major boost to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and several private sector companies are expected to work on the project.
Sudarshan Chakra is expected to be more powerful than Israel’s Iron Dome. Unlike the Iron Dome—which can only intercept short-range rockets and mortars—Sudarshan Chakra will be capable of detecting and destroying long-range ballistic and cruise missiles.
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