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Mission Sudarshan Chakra: Towards an Indigenous Air Defence ShieldAir Defence System Breakthrough: Mission Sudarshan Chakra to Shield India by 2035
Context: On Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will develop an indigenous air defence system by 2035, named ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ after Lord Krishna’s mythological shield, aimed at not only neutralising enemy attacks but also enabling strong retaliation.
Why is it necessary to build an indigenous Air Defence System?
- Strategic Autonomy: Dependence on imported systems like the Russian S-400 limits operational independence. PM Modi underlined that “national security cannot rest on foreign dependence.”
- Geopolitical Vulnerability: Foreign suppliers may impose sanctions or withhold technology during crises, as seen in past Indo-US defence frictions.
- Cost Efficiency: Importing ADS drains forex reserves. The Economic Survey 2022-23 highlighted defence imports as a contributor to India’s trade imbalance.
- Comprehensive Coverage: By 2035, Mission Sudarshan Chakra aims to shield both military and civilian domains, unlike current imported systems focused largely on strategic assets.
- Technological Sovereignty: Indigenous development strengthens India’s position in emerging areas like AI-enabled defence and directed energy weapons, critical for future conflicts.
What are the functions of the Air Defence System?
Air Defence Systems (ADS) are designed to detect, track, intercept, and neutralise aerial threats such as aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Their core functions include:
- Surveillance & Detection: Using radar, satellites, and sensors to identify incoming threats.
- Command & Control: Integrating data through systems like India’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) for real-time decision-making.
- Interception & Neutralisation: Employing surface-to-air missiles, anti-drone weapons, or directed-energy platforms to destroy threats.
- Protection of Civilian and Strategic Assets: Covering vital installations such as nuclear plants, military bases, hospitals, and transport hubs.
Case Study: During Operation Sindoor (2025), Indian ADS neutralised multiple Pakistani drones and missiles targeting over 15 Indian cities, showcasing the decisive role of layered air defence in maintaining security.
What are the initiatives taken to augment the indigenous defence sector in India?
- Policy Push: The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 prioritises domestic procurement under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” framework.
- Make in India & iDEX: The Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative has supported over 150 startups in AI, drones, and cyber defence (MoD Report, 2024).
- Private Sector Participation: Strategic partnerships allow firms like L&T, Tata, and Adani Defence to co-develop missile and radar systems with DRDO.
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- Case Study – Jet Engine Development: Despite setbacks in the Kaveri engine project, India has advanced negotiations with GE Aerospace for co-production of F414 engines with 80% technology transfer, while simultaneously reviving indigenous R&D.
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- Success Models: Indigenous programmes like Tejas LCA, Akash Missile System, and QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile) demonstrate growing self-reliance.
- Budgetary Commitment: According to the Union Budget 2024-25, 75% of the defence capital procurement is earmarked for the domestic industry.
