Mission Sudarshan Chakra: India's Ambitious Leap Towards Indigenous Air Defence

On August 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a visionary project aimed at developing a comprehensive, multi-layered air defence system by 2035. This initiative seeks to safeguard India's critical infrastructure from aerial threats, encompassing both defensive and offensive capabilities. The mission draws inspiration from Israel's Iron Dome, aiming to provide a robust shield against evolving security challenges.

Chief of defence staff General Anil Chauhan. (X) | Hindustan Times

Strategic Vision and Technological Integration

A Unified Defence Framework

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan emphasized that the success of Mission Sudarshan Chakra hinges on the seamless integration of various technologies and systems. He highlighted the necessity for a robust infrastructure capable of detecting, acquiring, and neutralizing enemy aerial threats using both soft and hard kill options, including kinetic and directed energy weapons. The mission envisions a comprehensive national security shield, acting both as a defensive barrier and an offensive deterrent. Achieving this goal will require a colossal amount of integration across multiple domains, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and the deployment of sensors across land, air, maritime, undersea, and space platforms.

Leveraging Advanced Technologies

The integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing will be pivotal in processing the vast amounts of data generated by the system. General Chauhan emphasized the need for real-time data analysis to enable swift and decisive responses to emerging threats. He described Mission Sudarshan Chakra as “India’s own Iron Dome,” underscoring the project's magnitude and the necessity for a whole-of-nation approach to its development. Despite the scale of the endeavor, he expressed confidence that it could be achieved at an affordable cost.

Recent Developments and Technological Advancements

Maiden Test of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System

On August 23, 2025, India successfully conducted the maiden flight tests of its Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha. The multi-layered system comprises Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), and a laser-based directed energy weapon. During the test, the system effectively neutralized three different targets, including high-speed fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles and a multi-copter drone, demonstrating its capability to engage multiple threats simultaneously.

International Recognition and Strategic Implications

The successful test has garnered attention from international defense experts, with some noting that the inclusion of a high-powered laser weapon in the IADWS is a significant technological advancement. The system's ability to neutralize multiple aerial threats simultaneously positions India as a formidable force in regional air defence capabilities.

Conclusion: A Leap Towards Self-Reliance in Defence

Mission Sudarshan Chakra represents a significant stride towards enhancing India's self-reliance in defence technology. By integrating advanced technologies and fostering collaboration across various domains, India aims to establish a robust air defence system capable of safeguarding its critical infrastructure. As the nation progresses towards the 2035 deadline, Mission Sudarshan Chakra stands as a testament to India's commitment to strengthening its national security through indigenous innovation and strategic foresight.

(Sources: Firstpost, Hindustan Times, Business Line)