India has started work on Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a major national air defence and offensive capability programme designed to protect key infrastructure and population centres through an upgraded multi layer security shield. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh shared the update at a security summit, stating that the mission will integrate both defensive and offensive systems to counter threats from missiles, drones and cross border attacks.
He explained that the programme will use advanced technologies and will be developed through a mix of Make in India manufacturing, imports and IDDM initiatives. Singh said a committee under DRDO and Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit will prepare a detailed project report or feasibility study. He added that the mission will be fully funded through defence capital expenditure to ensure that critical locations receive timely protection.
Air Marshal Dixit said the armed forces are building counter unmanned systems grids and integrated air defence networks for high end threats. He noted that small drones that cause nuisance or confusion must be handled by stadiums, refineries and civilian installations, while the military will focus on threats coming from across the border. He also said that cheap drones will create decision challenges in future conflicts but will not decide the outcome of a war unless a disruptive new technology appears.
The government’s focus on Mission Sudarshan Chakra comes at a time when concerns have grown about air defence gaps following a recent threat from Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir to target the Jamnagar refinery during a future conflict. Rising defence drone intrusions and the rapid spread of low cost unmanned systems have also added urgency.
The private sector is expected to play a role in counter defence drone technologies. An official from L and T said Indian companies are studying global trends and investing in systems ranging from jamming and spoofing to hard kill solutions. He said companies have not yet invested in infrastructure specific protection systems but the approach will evolve and industry will respond as needed. Singh said the involvement of private companies in protecting sensitive assets like the Jamnagar refinery has not been considered and remains a sovereign responsibility.
Mission Sudarshan Chakra was first announced during the Prime Minister’s Independence Day address. It is a long term roadmap for 2035 with three main goals. It aims to develop, design and build the entire system in India. It seeks to use predictive technologies to prepare for future warfare scenarios. It also intends to create precise and targeted counter action tools to stop enemy infiltration. The mission is meant to provide a strong national security shield for both strategic and civilian assets.
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