PM Modi announces indigenous Sudarshan Chakra defence system to defend India amid rising threats

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking from the Red Fort on Friday to mark India’s 79th Independence Day, announced the launch of the Sudarshan Chakra Mission, an advanced long-range air-defence system set to be operational by 2035.

“This powerful weapon will not only safeguard our country but also give a befitting reply to any enemy nation,” he said, emphasising that upgrading national security is a top priority.

Proving indigenous defence strength

The announcement follows Operation Sindoor this year, where India showcased its self-reliant defence capabilities. Indigenous systems—including the Akash missile, MRSAM, BrahMos, D4 anti-drone defences, AWACS and the automated Akashteer air-defence network—played key roles.

More from India

This Week in Explainers: Does Delhi-NCR have the money to move lakhs of stray dogs to shelters? Sindoor, Sudarshan Chakra, semiconductors: Takeaways from PM Modi’s I-Day speech

The Akashteer system, in particular, intercepted drones, missiles, micro-UAVs and loitering munitions with near-perfect success, boosting situational awareness across forces. The SAMAR air-defence system also proved effective, neutralising low-altitude aerial threats targeting Jammu, Srinagar and Amritsar with speed, accuracy, and reliability as part of India’s layered defence grid.

The Sudarshan Chakra is based on the Russian S-400 platform, capable of engaging aircraft, cruise missiles, drones and ballistic missiles at ranges up to 400 km. The comparable systems include the THAAD from the US, which is, designed to intercept ballistic missiles in their terminal phase, effective at altitudes up to 150 km and ranges of about 200 km. It is also optimised for high-altitude threats rather than multi-role defence.

Then we have Israel’s Iron Dome, which is, renowned for intercepting short-range rockets, artillery, mortars and drones within 4–70 km. Highly battle-tested but designed for low-altitude engagements, complementing rather than replacing long-range systems.

Impact Shorts

More Shorts

'New dawn': PM Modi meets Manipur violence victims in first visit since 2023 unrest

CP Radhakrishnan takes oath as Vice President of India

India’s next step

Alongside Sudarshan Chakra, India is developing Project Kusha, an indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile programme intended to rival or surpass S-400 capabilities. Planned in three variants—M1 (150 km), M2 (250 km), and M3 (400 km)—the system is expected to begin trials in late 2025 and enter service between 2028 and 2030.

Together, these developments reflect a global and domestic push toward integrated air-defence networks capable of countering an increasingly diverse range of aerial threats.