On August 15, 2025, as India marked her 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a transformative vision for the nation’s security: Mission Sudarshan Chakra. Named after Lord Krishna’s legendary spinning discus, a symbol of precision and divine protection in Hindu mythology, this ambitious initiative aims to establish a fully indigenous, integrated air defence system by 2035.

Designed to shield both strategic military assets and vital civilian infrastructure, the mission draws inspiration from advanced systems like Israel’s Iron Dome and the United States’ proposed Golden Dome, yet it is uniquely tailored to India’s needs.

From the ramparts of the Red Fort this year, PM Modi articulated a bold goal: to create a “Rashtriya Suraksha Kavach" (National Security Shield) that ensures every Indian feels protected, whether the threat comes from missiles, drones, cyberattacks, or hybrid warfare. By 2035, Mission Sudarshan Chakra will safeguard military installations, hospitals, railway stations, religious sites, energy grids, and communication networks.

Rooted in the ethos of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), the mission prioritises indigenous innovation to reduce dependence on foreign technology, which Modi has called a “recipe for disaster." This vision positions India to join the ranks of nations with advanced defence systems, like Israel and Russia, while addressing the multi-dimensional threats of modern warfare that increasingly target civilian spaces.

Mission Sudarshan Chakra is a seamless, multi-layered ecosystem designed to detect, neutralize, and retaliate against threats with unparalleled precision. Its components form a cohesive defence architecture, blending cutting-edge technology with strategic foresight.

The backbone of the mission is a sophisticated Advanced Surveillance and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) framework that integrates sensors, radars, airborne warning and control systems (AWACS), and unmanned aerial vehicles to provide real-time situational awareness. This system enables early detection of threats, from long-range ballistic missiles to stealthy drones. By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing, it processes vast datasets swiftly, ensuring rapid decision-making in high-stakes scenarios.

Building on existing systems like the Russian-origin S-400 Triumf, the indigenous Akash and........

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