In the wake of Operation Sindoor, India is taking significant steps to bolster its air defense capabilities, drawing inspiration from systems like Israel's Iron Dome. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced the launch of "Mission Sudarshan Chakra," an ambitious project to develop a comprehensive, indigenous air defense system.
The Sudarshan Chakra is envisioned as a multi-layered defense framework that integrates advanced surveillance, cyber protection, and physical safeguards to shield India's citizens and critical infrastructure from potential enemy attacks. This initiative aims to protect strategic and civilian installations, including hospitals, railway lines, and centers of faith, with a security umbrella built on homegrown technology. The system is expected to be fully operational by 2035.
The announcement of Mission Sudarshan Chakra follows a period of heightened military activity, including Operation Sindoor, during which Indian defense systems successfully countered multiple aerial attacks using indigenous technology. Operation Sindoor saw the deployment of advanced long-range weapons, such as the BrahMos, SCALP, Rampage, and Crystal Maze missiles, which enabled the Indian Air Force (IAF) to neutralize enemy airbases and strategic assets from standoff ranges. The Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) played a crucial role in maintaining air superiority by integrating the air defense systems of the Army, Air Force, and Navy into a single, unified system.
India already possesses a multi-tiered air defense system, incorporating a mix of indigenous and foreign-sourced technologies. The Russian-built S-400 Triumf, known as the "Sudarshan Chakra" within the Indian armed forces, is a key component, capable of engaging targets at distances up to 400 km. The S-400 played a pivotal role in Operation Sindoor, effectively intercepting Pakistani drones and missiles. Indigenous systems like the Akash, a medium-range surface-to-air missile system, and the Barak-8, developed in collaboration with Israel, further enhance India's defense capabilities. Project Kusha, led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), aims to develop a long-range surface-to-air missile system capable of countering advanced aerial threats, including hypersonic weapons.
Mission Sudarshan Chakra seeks to build upon these existing capabilities, creating a more robust and comprehensive defense shield. The system will not only neutralize incoming threats but also deliver decisive counter-attacks, integrating advanced surveillance, interception, and counter-strike capabilities. The entire research, development, and manufacturing process will be based in India, with active participation from the nation's youth.
In addition to the Sudarshan Chakra initiative, the IAF is prioritizing the induction of long-range air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles to enhance its ability to engage targets from safer distances. The IAF has requested the DRDO to accelerate the development of longer-range variants of the Astra missile and is considering the acquisition of the Russian R-37 missile. Plans are also underway to procure additional squadrons of the S-400 Triumf system. Furthermore, India has approved a $2.3 billion project to develop next-generation Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) to enhance its aerial surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
The development of the Sudarshan Chakra and the ongoing efforts to modernize India's air defense systems reflect the country's commitment to strengthening its security and self-reliance in defense. By integrating advanced technologies and promoting indigenous manufacturing, India aims to establish a formidable defense posture capable of addressing evolving security challenges.
