On 15 August 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the Red Fort on India’s 79th Independence Day, unveiled a path-breaking defence initiative—the Sudarshan Chakra Mission. For the first time, the Prime Minister publicly outlined India’s ambitious plan to create an indigenous, next-generation air defence system capable not only of neutralizing enemy attacks but also of delivering a decisive retaliatory strike.
In his address, Modi invoked the imagery of Lord Shri Krishna’s Sudarshan Chakra, the divine weapon that shielded Dharma and struck down Adharma. Drawing inspiration from this ancient symbol of protection and power, he declared:
“Just as the Sudarshan Chakra shields and destroys the enemy’s assault, India too will defend every inch of its territory and respond with strength.”
The Concept: Shield and Strike
The Sudarshan Chakra Air Defence Mission represents more than just a weapons program—it embodies India’s determination to secure its sovereignty and prepare for future warfare. Unlike conventional air defence systems that focus only on interception, Sudarshan Chakra has a dual role:
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Neutralize Attacks – It will detect, track, and eliminate hostile threats, including missiles, drones, and aircraft, with unmatched precision.
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Retaliate with Power – Once an attack is neutralized, the system will automatically generate the capability to deliver a forceful retaliatory strike on the aggressor, ensuring deterrence.
This makes the mission both defensive and offensive, redefining air defence as an integrated shield-and-sword strategy.
Indigenous Development: Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence
A cornerstone of the mission is its 100% indigenous design, research, and production. The system will be developed within India, incorporating cutting-edge R&D across multiple domains:
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Radar and Surveillance Networks for real-time detection.
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AI-Powered Targeting Systems to track multiple threats simultaneously.
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Hypersonic Interceptors for neutralizing high-speed missile attacks.
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Integrated Drone Defence Systems to counter swarm warfare.
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Retaliatory Strike Capability built into the platform itself.
This reflects the Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) in defence technology—building not only for India’s needs but also creating a model of technological strength for the world.
Protecting India’s Borders and Beyond
The mission’s scope extends far beyond military installations. The Sudarshan Chakra system is envisioned as a national security shield, protecting:
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Borders and strategic military zones
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Critical infrastructure such as power grids, communication hubs, and transport networks
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Public spaces including hospitals, universities, and city centres
This wide security cover reflects India’s understanding that modern conflicts target both battlefields and civilian lifelines.
Preparing for Future Warfare
The mission has been designed with future war scenarios in mind: cyber-enhanced attacks, AI-driven drone swarms, hypersonic missile threats, and urban terrorism. By anticipating these challenges, India aims to stay ahead of adversaries and ensure that its defence posture is proactive, not reactive.
Symbol of a Rising Nation
The Sudarshan Chakra Mission is more than a defence initiative; it is a symbol of a rising, confident, and determined India. It highlights:
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Technological Innovation rooted in indigenous capability.
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Spiritual Inspiration drawn from the timeless ideals of protection and justice.
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Strategic Preparedness for the complexities of future warfare.
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National Resolve to defend sovereignty at any cost.
As Prime Minister Modi declared, this mission will stand as a shield for peace and a sword against aggression.
Conclusion: Towards a Developed, Secure India
The launch of the Sudarshan Chakra Air Defence Mission marks a turning point in India’s defence strategy. It represents the blending of tradition with technology, of ancient wisdom with modern innovation. As India marches towards its goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), this mission signals a nation ready to protect its borders, safeguard its people, and contribute to global stability from a position of strength.
The message is clear: India will not only defend—it will prevail.