On August, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of “Mission Sudarshan Chakra,” an indigenous defence initiative to create a multi-layered national security shield for India. The long-term plan is to have the system fully operational by 2035 and use advanced, Made-in-India technology to protect strategic, civilian, and religious sites from a wide range of threats.
Key features of Mission Sudarshan Chakra
- Indigenous development: The mission emphasizes self-reliance, with the entire system including research, development, and manufacturing—to be carried out within India. The goal is to reduce dependency on foreign military technology.
- Multi-layered defence: The system is designed to counter various modern threats, including missile attacks, cyber warfare, and hybrid threats. It integrates advanced surveillance, cyber protection, and physical infrastructure safeguards.
- Offensive and defensive capabilities: PM Modi highlighted that the system will not only be used for defence but also for precise counterattacks. He drew a parallel to the precision of Lord Krishna’s mythological Sudarshan Chakra weapon.
- Protecting critical infrastructure: The national security shield will extend to important public places across the country, such as railway stations, hospitals, and centers of faith.
- Addressing changing warfare: The announcement addressed the evolving nature of warfare and India’s need for proactive, forward-thinking security measures, rather than simply being reactive.
Updates since the announcement
- Inspiration and vision: The mission draws inspiration from Lord Krishna’s mythological shield and symbolizes India’s commitment to protecting its future. Modi stated, “Every citizen should feel safe” and stressed the need to “anticipate and prepare” for threats.
- Procurement and action: In early October 2025, the Indian Army began moving forward with the mission by issuing a tender for six AK-630 air defense gun systems from Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Ltd (AWEIL). The guns are intended for the protection of critical sites along the border with Pakistan.
- Involving private innovation: The mission plans to leverage collaboration between government defence establishments, research agencies, and private innovators to achieve its goals.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
With reference to Mission Sudarshan Chakra, consider the following statements:
I. It is a 10-year national defence initiative to build an indigenous, multi-layered air and missile defence shield
II. The mission is inspired by Lord Krishna’s celestial weapon, the Sudarshan Chakra
III. The mission’s operationalization is targeted for 2035 and is intended to protect only strategic defence facilities
How many of the above statements are correct?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Answer: b
Explanation: Statement III is incorrect- While the mission aims to be operational by 2035, it is intended to protect not only strategic defence facilities but also critical civilian infrastructure, hospitals, railways, and centers of faith.
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