Sudarshan Chakra Mission

The Defence Minister has formally announced that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will lead the Sudarshan Chakra air defence initiative.

DRDO is India’s leading defence R&D agency, formed in 1958 under the Ministry of Defence; it is responsible for developing advanced technologies and systems for the armed forces.

About Mission Sudarshan Chakra

It is a national security initiative to build a comprehensive, indigenous, AI-enabled, multi-layered air defence shield for India by 2035.
Hybrid System: The Sudarshan Chakra is both a defensive shield and an offensive sword, shifting from passive defence to active deterrence.
AI Integration: It utilises Artificial Intelligence and Big Data for real-time threat modelling, automated target allocation, and predictive interception.
Layered Architecture: It has three layers—outer space-based long-range detection, middle-layer missile interception, and inner-layer point defence using lasers and anti-drone systems.
Cyber Security: The mission incorporates strong anti-cyber warfare capabilities to protect power grids, communication networks, and command systems.
Civilian Coverage: It explicitly protects civilian infrastructure, including nuclear plants, railways, hospitals, and major cultural sites, unlike conventional military-only systems.
Integrated Network: It integrates the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), Akashteer, the Trigun system, and Project Kusha.

It is an indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) development programme.
Developing Agencies: The project is led by the DRDO in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and private-sector partners.
It features a three-layered interception system comprising three distinct missile variants—M1 (150 km), M2 (250 km), and M3 (350–400 km).
It is designed to match or exceed the capabilities of Russia’s S-400 system and to move toward S-500 performance standards.