Synopsis
On Independence Day 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Mission Sudarshan Chakra, India’s ambitious plan to build an indigenous multi-layered missile defense system. Inspired by Lord Krishna’s legendary weapon, the project aims to safeguard the nation against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, and rocket artillery through a tiered shield of long, medium, and short-range interceptors. Powered by artificial intelligence and developed under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the system will provide real-time threat assessment and autonomous defense responses.
Expected to be fully operational by 2035, the Sudarshan Chakra marks India’s transition from a buyer to a builder of defense technology, strengthening its strategic autonomy while opening avenues for global defense partnerships. By merging mythology with modern science, this initiative is both a shield of security and a symbol of national pride.
"By 2035, every place of national, religious significance, will be given a 'Suraksha Kavach' with emerging technology. India will launch mission 'Sudarshan Chakra'- powerful weapon system will neutralize enemies' attacks, and will also hit back at the enemy," says #PMModi. pic.twitter.com/dfRsq7FW2L
— WION (@WIONews) August 15, 2025
Introduction
Table of Contents
As India celebrated Independence Day 2025, the nation witnessed a historic announcement that merged mythology with modern defense strategy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled Mission Sudarshan Chakra, India’s ambitious plan to develop its own multi-layered missile defense system. Inspired by Lord Krishna’s legendary celestial weapon, this initiative symbolizes not only advanced defense capability but also India’s march toward self-reliance and strategic autonomy.
What Is Sudarshan Chakra?
The Sudarshan Chakra project is envisioned as India’s answer to Israel’s Iron Dome. However, unlike a mere imitation, India’s system will be multi-layered, AI-driven, and tailored to the country’s unique threat environment. It will be designed to detect, track, and destroy incoming dangers ranging from ballistic and cruise missiles to drones and rocket artillery, ensuring comprehensive protection across varied battle scenarios. As per PIB
Multi-layered defense system, Raksha Kavach.
— Defence Decode® (@DefenceDecode) April 30, 2025
[Most elements of the system are operational.] pic.twitter.com/Ka7nPirZ9y
Layers of Protection
The architecture of the Sudarshan Chakra will follow a tiered defense model. Long-range interceptors will neutralize threats even before they enter Indian airspace, medium-range systems will safeguard regional security and border zones, while short-range rapid response units will defend urban centers, military installations, and critical infrastructure. This layered system guarantees multiple interception points, maximizing response time and minimizing potential damage.
AI and Indigenous Technology
At the core of the Sudarshan Chakra lies artificial intelligence and indigenous innovation. Unlike traditional systems, it will use AI for real-time threat assessment, autonomous decision-making, and seamless coordination between radars, interceptors, and command centers. True to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), the project will be developed by Indian scientists, engineers, and defense firms, reducing reliance on imports and enhancing homegrown defense expertise.
Timeline and Deployment Goals
Mission Sudarshan Chakra is set to be implemented in phases. Initial prototypes and testing are expected within the next few years, focusing primarily on sensitive border areas with Pakistan and China. Subsequent phases will expand protection to strategic cities, industrial hubs, and nuclear facilities. The full-scale operational system is targeted for deployment by 2035, marking a long-term transformation of India’s defense posture.
Geopolitical Significance
The announcement comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension in South Asia, with both Pakistan and China investing heavily in missile and drone technology. Through Mission Sudarshan Chakra, India signals a clear shift from being a buyer of defense technology to becoming a builder and potential exporter. The initiative not only strengthens India’s deterrence capabilities but also creates opportunities for international defense collaborations and exports, particularly in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Myth Meets Modernity
The decision to name the project Sudarshan Chakra carries profound cultural and symbolic significance. The legendary weapon of Lord Krishna represents precision, speed, and invincibility. By linking this modern defense shield to an ancient icon of protection, the government has infused the project with national pride and a sense of cultural continuity, turning it into more than just a defense system—it becomes a narrative of India’s timeless resilience.
Also read about- “We should have our own jet engines for Made in India fighter jets”: PM Modi in Independence Day 2025
Public Reaction and Expert Concerns
The announcement, made on Independence Day 2025, has been widely celebrated as a patriotic milestone. Defense analysts and nationalist circles hailed it as a “freedom shield” for India’s skies. However, some experts caution that such projects demand enormous investments, complex testing procedures, and international collaboration to ensure success. Calls for transparency, accountability, and careful planning have also been raised to avoid potential pitfalls.
Conclusion
Mission Sudarshan Chakra represents far more than a defense initiative; it is a declaration of sovereignty and technological ambition. By unveiling it on Independence Day 2025, the government has underlined India’s determination to protect its people, secure its skies, and stand tall as a defense innovator on the global stage. If executed successfully, the Sudarshan Chakra could redefine India’s defense strategy for decades, merging mythology with modernity and ensuring that the skies above remain safe under the protection of a truly indigenous shield.
Pratik Kondawale
Strategist | Indian Defence & Global Affairs
Founder of GeoLens.in, Pratik writes in-depth analysis on India’s defence strategy, military tech, and global power shifts delivering sharp insights through an Indian lens.