India is gearing up to build its very own ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ — a next-gen, multi-layered defence shield that will combine high-tech surveillance, cyber protection, and physical security to safeguard citizens and infrastructure from enemy missiles, drones, and even cyberattacks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the project during his Independence Day speech, saying it would be India’s answer to Israel’s Iron Dome and the US’ proposed Golden Dome. The shield is designed to intercept threats before they strike — whether they come from hostile nations or terrorists.
From Mythology to Modern Warfare
The name comes from the legendary weapon of Lord Krishna, who once shielded the Sun to help Arjuna win a battle. Modi said the mission will be researched, developed, and made entirely in India under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ push.
“By 2035, I want to expand, strengthen, and modernise this shield… every citizen must feel protected,” the PM said.
Learning From Operation Sindoor
India already has a powerful defence network — the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) — which proved its worth during Operation Sindoor earlier this year. For nearly 100 hours, Pakistan tried (and failed) to destroy Indian bases, shoot down jets, and hit cities. The IACCS integrated the Army, Air Force, and Navy’s air defence into one system, tracking and neutralising incoming threats in real time.
This gave India a “net-centric operational capability”, vital in today’s high-speed warfare. It coordinates radars, AWACS surveillance planes, surface-to-air missiles, and fighter jets — boosting military awareness and enabling rapid response.
The new Sudarshan Chakra will likely build on this system, using indigenous tech like the Akashteer air defence network, which works with Akash and Quick Reaction SAMs (surface-to-air missiles).
More Than Just Missiles
Sources say this shield won’t just intercept missiles — it will also have precision counterstrike abilities and anti-cyber warfare measures to take down digital threats like hacking and phishing.
The project will bring together India’s top defence scientists, the armed forces, and private sector innovators.
The Global Context
The US is planning its own ‘Golden Dome’ — announced by President Donald Trump in May — a $175 billion missile defence system covering land, sea, and space. Like Sudarshan Chakra, it aims to stop next-gen threats such as ballistic and cruise missiles.
Why It Matters
In modern warfare, missile defence is not optional — it’s essential. These systems detect, track, and destroy enemy missiles at different stages of flight, giving a country the edge in both defence and offence.
With Sudarshan Chakra, India is aiming for complete, homegrown protection — from the skies above to the cyber networks we depend on every day.
SRC-NDTV
