Mission Sudarshan Chakra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address, announced the launch of ‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra’, an ambitious national security initiative. The mission aims to protect India’s critical establishments over the next decade using entirely indigenous technology. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

Key Objectives and Components

The mission is envisioned as a multi-layered, integrated security shield to protect vital military and civilian installations. It is inspired by Lord Krishna’s divine weapon from the Mahabharata, known for its precision and unerring accuracy. The mission’s framework is expected to integrate:

• Advanced Surveillance: A networked system of early-warning and tracking sensors, including space-based assets.
• Air and Missile Defence: The mission is expected to function as a multi-layered shield similar to Israel’s Iron Dome. It will be built on the foundation of existing systems like the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) and indigenous projects like Project Kusha, which is developing long-range surface-to-air missile systems. The goal is to defend against a range of threats, including long-range missiles, aircraft, and drones.
• Cyber and Physical Safeguards: The framework will also include robust cyber protection measures and physical infrastructure safeguards to counter hybrid threats and sabotage.
• Counter-Offensive Capabilities: The mission will not only defend but also include a “targeted precise action” capability to hit back at adversaries, signaling an expansion of India’s conventional arsenal.