Mission Sudarshan Chakra to Strengthen India’s Drone Defence

India has launched Mission Sudarshan Chakra, an ambitious national programme aimed at building a comprehensive, multi-layered air defence shield to counter emerging aerial threats, particularly hostile drones. The initiative reflects a strategic shift in India’s defence posture as unmanned aerial systems increasingly redefine modern warfare, especially along sensitive borders with Pakistan.

Rising Drone Threats and Strategic Imperative

Unmanned aerial vehicles have emerged as low-cost yet high-impact tools for surveillance, smuggling, and precision strikes. Recent conflicts, including attempts by Pakistan to use drones during Operation Sindoor and extensive drone warfare in the Russia–Ukraine conflict, have underlined their disruptive potential. Indian security agencies have observed a sharp rise in drone use for espionage and cross-border activities, necessitating a specialised counter-drone architecture beyond conventional air defence systems.

Mission Sudarshan Chakra and Air Defence Modernisation

Mission Sudarshan Chakra aims to create an integrated shield capable of countering fighter aircraft, missiles, and drones, with a target completion timeline of 2035. The programme complements India’s existing air defence network, including the Integrated Air Command and Control System, by addressing evolving threat vectors. It signals a move towards layered defence, combining long-range interception with short-range and point-defence capabilities.

Joint Counter Unmanned Aerial System Grid

Alongside Sudarshan Chakra, the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force are developing a Joint Counter Unmanned Aerial System grid to specifically neutralise drone threats. The grid will integrate sensors, command centres, and response units across the three services. Joint Air Defence Centres will serve as the operational backbone, enabling real-time data sharing, faster threat assessment, and coordinated responses to drone incursions across borders, coastlines, and strategic installations.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Mission Sudarshan Chakra is aimed at creating a multi-layered air defence shield.
• Drones are considered low-cost but high-impact asymmetric threats.
• Joint CUAS grid focuses specifically on countering unmanned aerial systems.
• Electronic warfare and directed energy weapons are key counter-drone tools.

Soft-Kill and Hard-Kill Countermeasures

The counter-drone framework will deploy both soft-kill and hard-kill measures. Soft-kill options include electronic warfare techniques such as communication disruption and GNSS jamming to disable drones without physical destruction. Hard-kill measures involve directed energy weapons, laser systems, and point-defence guns to physically neutralise hostile drones. Together, Mission Sudarshan Chakra and the Joint CUAS grid are expected to significantly enhance India’s preparedness against future aerial threats from adversarial neighbours.