On August 15, 2025, as India marked her 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a transformative vision for the nation’s security: Mission Sudarshan Chakra. Named after Lord Krishna’s legendary spinning discus, a symbol of precision and divine protection in Hindu mythology, this ambitious initiative aims to establish a fully indigenous, integrated air defence system by 2035. Designed to shield both strategic military assets and vital civilian infrastructure, the mission draws inspiration from advanced systems like Israel’s Iron Dome and the United States’ proposed Golden Dome, yet it is uniquely tailored to India’s needs. A National Security Shield by 2035 From the ramparts of the Red Fort this year, PM Modi articulated a bold goal: to create a “Rashtriya Suraksha Kavach” (National Security Shield) that ensures every Indian feels protected, whether the threat comes from missiles, drones, cyberattacks, or hybrid warfare. By 2035, Mission Sudarshan Chakra will safeguard military installations, hospitals, railway stations, religious sites, energy grids, and communication networks. Rooted in the ethos of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), the mission prioritises indigenous innovation to reduce dependence on foreign technology, which Modi has called a “recipe for disaster.” This vision positions India to join the ranks of nations with advanced defence systems, like Israel and Russia, while addressing the multi-dimensional threats of modern warfare that increasingly target civilian spaces. Key Components of Sudarshan Chakra Mission Sudarshan Chakra is a seamless, multi-layered ecosystem designed to detect, neutralize, and retaliate against threats with unparalleled precision. Its components form a cohesive defence architecture, blending cutting-edge technology with strategic foresight. The backbone of the mission is a sophisticated Advanced Surveillance and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) framework that integrates sensors, radars, airborne warning and control systems (AWACS), and unmanned aerial vehicles to provide real-time situational awareness. This system enables early detection of threats, from long-range ballistic missiles to stealthy drones. By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing, it processes vast datasets swiftly, ensuring rapid decision-making in high-stakes scenarios. Building on existing systems like the Russian-origin S-400 Triumf, the indigenous Akash and Akashteer systems, and the Barak-8 MR-SAM, the mission creates a three-tiered defence shield. The outer layer, utilizing systems like the S-400, intercepts threats at ranges up to 400 kilometres. The middle layer, bolstered by the DRDO’s Project Kusha, targets missiles and drones at intermediate ranges. The inner layer, powered by Akash Prime, provides terminal defence for critical sites within a 30–45-kilometre radius. This layered approach ensures comprehensive protection against a spectrum of aerial threats. Moreover, unlike purely defensive systems, Mission Sudarshan Chakra adopts a “shield and sword” philosophy, integrating precise target systems and advanced weaponry like BrahMos missiles for retaliatory strikes. This dual capability deters aggressors by guaranteeing a swift, overwhelming response to any attack, blending defence with offensive prowess. Additionally, in an era where cyberattacks and hybrid warfare threaten national stability, the mission incorporates robust cyber defences to protect critical infrastructure like power grids, communication networks, and financial systems. Real-time monitoring and countermeasures will neutralize cyber intrusions, addressing the growing menace of state and non-state actors exploiting digital vulnerabilities. Central to the mission is collaboration between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), armed forces, private industry, and research institutions. By prioritizing homegrown technology, India aims to develop indigenous jet engines, space-based sensors, and advanced weaponry, reducing reliance on foreign systems and fostering self-reliance. Another hallmark of the mission is its focus on securing non-military assets. The vulnerability of civilian infrastructure was starkly exposed during Pakistan’s attempted strikes in May 2025, following India’s Operation Sindoor. By deploying mobile and fixed air defence batteries, expanding radar coverage, and establishing rapid-response units, the mission ensures that public spaces – hospitals, railway stations, and religious sites – are shielded from harm. India’s Geopolitical Challenges India’s complex geopolitical landscape, shaped by historical tensions with Pakistan and China and emerging concerns with Bangladesh, underscores the urgency of Mission Sudarshan Chakra. The mission is both a response to immediate threats and a proactive step toward long-term security. India’s turbulent relationship with Pakistan, marked by cross-border terrorism and military confrontations, drives the mission’s urgency. The April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, triggered Operation Sindoor, a decisive Indian operation that neutralized over 100 terrorists and struck 13 Pakistani military installations over four days. Indigenous systems like Akashteer and BrahMos thwarted Pakistan’s retaliatory drone and missile attacks, but vulnerabilities in civilian infrastructure, such as the near-miss at Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar refinery, highlighted some gaps in India’s defences. PM Modi’s warning that India will not tolerate Pakistan’s “nuclear blackmail” and will “punish” aggressors reflects a shift toward a proactive stance, which Mission Sudarshan Chakra will bolster with its integrated shield. On the other hand, China’s military assertiveness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), coupled with its advanced air defence systems like the HQ-9 and investments in hypersonic weapons and cyber warfare, poses a formidable future challenge. Mission Sudarshan Chakra counters these threats by integrating long-range detection, precision strikes, and AI-driven warfare, ensuring India maintains strategic parity. The mission’s focus on space-based assets and quantum computing aligns with the need to match China’s technological edge, safeguarding India’s interests in a contested region. On yet another front, while Bangladesh has historically been a cooperative neighbour, recent political instability and rising anti-India sentiments raise concerns about potential security risks. The porous border could be exploited for illegal infiltration or terrorism, amplifying threats from hostile actors. The mission’s emphasis on enhanced surveillance and civilian infrastructure protection along India’s eastern borders addresses these emerging challenges, ensuring a comprehensive security framework. Why It Matters Sudarshan Chakra represents a transformative shift in India’s defence strategy, addressing the evolving nature of warfare where threats transcend battlefields to target civilian and digital spaces. The success of Operation Sindoor showcased India’s growing self-reliance, with indigenous systems proving their mettle. Yet, it also highlighted the need for a scalable, integrated defence architecture to protect a vast nation like India. By prioritising indigenous innovation, the mission reduces dependence on foreign technology, a critical step toward strategic autonomy. Past delays in projects like the Kaveri jet engine highlight the challenges, but PM Modi’s renewed focus on collaboration between public and private sectors taps into India’s youthful talent and technological potential, positioning the nation as a global defence innovator. Challenges and the Road Ahead Realising Mission Sudarshan Chakra is a monumental task, requiring seamless integration across air, land, maritime, and cyber domains. The complexity of processing vast data volumes, networking disparate systems, and ensuring continuous upgrades poses significant technical challenges. Financially, the mission demands substantial investment, requiring a delicate balance with other developmental priorities. Coordinating between the armed forces, DRDO, and private industry will test India’s institutional frameworks, necessitating robust mechanisms to avoid delays. The mission’s success hinges on developing cutting-edge technologies like AI, quantum computing, and directed energy weapons, requiring sustained investment in research and development. Will his vision, will power and hands on approach, PM Modi looks all set to ensure that Mission Sudarshan Chakra is accomplished by its 2035 timeline. Mission Sudarshan Chakra is a bold leap toward fortifying Bharat against the multifaceted threats of the 21st century. By weaving together advanced surveillance, multi-layered defence, offensive capabilities, and cyber resilience, it creates a dynamic security shield that is both protective and pre-emptive. Grounded in India’s cultural heritage and driven by the vision of self-reliance, the mission embodies PM Modi’s resolve to build a strong, secure, and sovereign India. As the nation confronts its historical rivalries with Pakistan and China and addresses emerging concerns from Bangladesh, Mission Sudarshan Chakra stands as a testament to India’s determination to safeguard its borders, its people, and its aspirations. By 2035, this visionary initiative could elevate India to the forefront of global defence innovation, ensuring that the Sudarshan Chakra’s precision and power become a reality in protecting the nation’s future. The writer is a national spokesperson of BJP and an author. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.