Sudarshan Chakra Air Defence Mission
The Sudarshan Chakra mission was announced as India’s indigenous multi-layered air defence system. It aims to protect strategic, civilian, and national sites from enemy aerial threats. The project integrates advanced technologies and a whole-of-nation approach to ensure robust national security.
Mission Overview
Sudarshan Chakra is designed as India’s equivalent to Israel’s Iron Dome. It combines detection, acquisition, and neutralisation of enemy air vectors. The system uses both soft kills—electronic and cyber measures that disable threats—and hard kills such as missiles and lasers. The goal is to create a shield and sword to defend against missiles, aircraft, and drones.
Technological Components
The mission integrates multiple weapon systems including Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), and 5-kilowatt lasers. These components were successfully tested in Defence Research and Development Organisation’s maiden flight test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System. The system will employ kinetic and direct energy weapons for threat neutralisation.
Multi-Domain Integration
Sudarshan Chakra requires fusion of data from ground, air, maritime, undersea, and space-based sensors. This multi-domain ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) network will provide a comprehensive real-time picture of threats. Integration of these domains is critical to enable rapid and accurate responses.
Advanced Computing and AI
The system will rely heavily on artificial intelligence, big data analytics, advanced computation, large language models, and quantum technologies. These tools will process colossal amounts of data to detect and counter threats instantly. AI-driven decision-making will enhance the speed and precision of defensive actions.
Implications
General Chauhan emphasised the need for India to be ‘Shashastra’ (armed), ‘Suraksit’ (secure), and ‘Aatmanirbhar’ (self-reliant). The mission reflects a shift towards technological sovereignty and military preparedness. It also calls for increased public awareness of defence doctrines and modern warfighting concepts, blending traditional wisdom with contemporary strategy.
Lessons from Modern Conflicts
Operation Sindoor was cited as a recent example of ongoing conflict shaping India’s defence posture. The experience marks that peace requires strength and readiness. The mission embodies the principle If you want peace, prepare for war, blending ancient strategic thought from the Mahabharata and Gita with modern military science.
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