Mission Overview
Sudarshan Chakra Air Defence Mission: The Sudarshan Chakra Air Defence Mission was launched on August 28, 2025 as India’s indigenous multi-layered defence shield. The project aims to safeguard strategic, civilian, and national assets from aerial threats including missiles, aircraft, and drones.
Designed as India’s equivalent of Israel’s Iron Dome, it employs a combination of detection, acquisition, and neutralisation mechanisms. The system uses both soft kills like cyber and electronic warfare, and hard kills through missiles and directed-energy weapons.
Static GK fact: Israel’s Iron Dome was commissioned in 2011 and has intercepted over 90% of incoming threats.
Technological Components
The Sudarshan Chakra integrates diverse platforms such as Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), and 5-kilowatt laser systems. These were validated during the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System.
The system leverages both kinetic weapons and directed energy weapons for multi-layered interception. The combination ensures protection from low-altitude drones to high-speed ballistic threats.
Static GK Tip: DRDO was established in 1958 and operates under the Ministry of Defence.
Multi-Domain Integration
A defining feature of the mission is multi-domain ISR integration. Data will be drawn from ground, air, maritime, undersea, and space-based sensors to create a real-time operational picture. This comprehensive fusion allows rapid detection and engagement of threats across all theatres of war.
Such integration aligns with India’s broader network-centric warfare doctrine, ensuring seamless coordination among armed forces.
Advanced Computing and AI
The mission will heavily depend on artificial intelligence, big data analytics, quantum computing, and large language models. These tools will analyse massive volumes of surveillance data in seconds.
AI-driven decision support systems will guide operators in instant threat prioritisation and response, reducing the risk of delayed action. The adoption of such technologies signals India’s intent to match global standards in defence automation and predictive warfare.
Static GK fact: The first supercomputer developed in India was PARAM 8000 in 1991 by C-DAC.
Implications
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan described the mission as essential to making India “Shashastra” (armed), “Suraksit” (secure), and “Aatmanirbhar” (self-reliant).
The initiative highlights India’s drive toward technological sovereignty while reducing dependence on foreign defence imports. It also builds resilience for hybrid warfare, where cyber and kinetic threats converge.
Lessons from Modern Conflicts
The mission draws inspiration from Operation Sindoor, reflecting lessons from contemporary conflicts. The doctrine of “If you want peace, prepare for war” is reinforced, combining strategic wisdom from the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita with advanced military science.
This balance of ancient philosophy and modern technology makes the Sudarshan Chakra a landmark in India’s defence preparedness.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Sudarshan Chakra Air Defence Mission:
| Topic | Detail |
| Mission launch date | August 28, 2025 |
| Mission name | Sudarshan Chakra Air Defence Mission |
| Equivalent system | Israel’s Iron Dome |
| Key components | QRSAM, VSHORADS, 5-kilowatt lasers |
| Organisation behind mission | Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) |
| Nature of weapons | Kinetic and directed-energy |
| Key integration | Ground, air, maritime, undersea, space sensors |
| Technologies used | AI, quantum computing, big data analytics |
| Chief mentioned | General Anil Chauhan |
| Motto reflected | Shashastra, Suraksit, Aatmanirbhar |
