India Begins Mission Sudarshan Chakra; Defence Firms Eye Counter-Drone Tech

India has officially begun groundwork on Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a major national air-defence and offensive capability programme that aims to create a modern, multi-layered security shield for the country. The announcement was made by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, who confirmed that the mission will be central to protecting both critical infrastructure and population centres by 2035.

Unveiled at ANI’s National Security Summit, the mission marks a significant push toward advanced defence technologies, with a special focus on air-defence systems, counter-drone capabilities, missile interception, and protection against cross-border threats.

A Modern Shield Against Missiles, Drones, and Cross-Border Attacks

Speaking at the summit, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said India has “begun work” on the mission, describing it as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new national air-defence and offensive capability programme.

According to Singh, Mission Sudarshan Chakra aims to:

• Build a multi-layered air-defence shield

• Protect key cities and major population centres

• Safeguard critical national infrastructure

• Integrate offensive and defensive systems

• Deploy advanced technologies to counter modern threats

Singh highlighted that the mission is designed to address both traditional and emerging threats, especially in the evolving landscape of unmanned aerial systems, missile technologies, and cross-border attacks.

He emphasised that this mission will combine new-age technologies and upgraded defence architecture to create a comprehensive national security shield.

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Counter-Drone Focus Gains Momentum

One of the strongest themes emerging from the summit was counter-drone defence—a technology rapidly gaining priority across government agencies and defence companies.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, provided important additional details. He explained that while the armed forces remain responsible for threats originating from across the border, the responsibility for dealing with small, domestic drone threats will increasingly fall on civilian establishments.

He stated that:

• Stadiums,

• Oil refineries,

• Large public venues, and

• Civilian installations

will need to deploy their own anti-drone systems to neutralise local drone-related risks.

This shift highlights how drone-related threats have diversified beyond military zones and now require both public and private sector preparedness.

Why the Sudarshan Chakra Mission Matters Now

The government’s decision to spotlight the mission at this time reflects rising concerns around unmanned aerial systems, small-drone weaponisation, and fast-evolving air-based threats.

According to the information shared at the summit, the mission is intended to create a comprehensive national security shield covering both:

1. Strategic assets — defence bases, border regions, military installations

2. Civilian assets — metros, critical industrial hubs, high-density public spaces

The mission aims to prepare India for a security environment where threats can come from:

• High-altitude missiles

• Precision-strike drones

• Small, commercially available drones

• Cross-border attacks

• Remote-controlled aerial platforms

By modernising India’s air-defence architecture and integrating offensive and defensive systems, the mission is expected to strengthen India’s overall national security resilience.

Defence Sector Interest Rising

Although the article does not provide specific company names or financials, the mention of L&T and defence firms eyeing counter-drone technology reflects how the mission is expected to spark significant interest from the defence manufacturing ecosystem.

The rising focus on drone threats—both military and civilian—makes counter-drone technology a fast-growing sector. Defence companies are likely evaluating opportunities in:

• Drone detection systems

• Drone jammers

• RF and radar-based sensors

• Interceptor drones

• AI-enabled surveillance

• Integrated command and control systems

As Mission Sudarshan Chakra expands over the coming years, the defence sector may experience increased demand for these technologies.

A Vision Targeted for 2035

The mission, planned with a horizon extending to 2035, aims to build a truly futuristic security grid. This long-term approach suggests:

• Significant investment in high-end defence technologies

• Development of indigenous offensive and defensive systems

• Upgraded protection for India’s growing urban and economic hubs

• A robust system that evolves with global technological trends

By integrating both air-defence and offensive systems, the mission aims to ensure that India can respond to threats proactively and decisively.

Civilian Infrastructure to Play a Larger Role

Air Marshal Dixit’s remarks reveal a clear division:

• The armed forces will tackle large-scale, cross-border threats

• Civilian institutions must secure themselves against smaller drone threats

This means that industries such as:

• Energy and oil

• Sports and entertainment

• Transport hubs

• Manufacturing zones

• Tech campuses

• Public infrastructure

will increasingly need to invest in independent anti-drone systems.

As drone usage rises across industries—from logistics to photography—the need for carefully regulated and secured airspace becomes even more essential.

A New Phase of India’s Defence Preparedness

Mission Sudarshan Chakra marks a significant milestone in India’s defence evolution. With the rise of drones, precision weapons, and non-traditional aerial threats, India is moving toward a defence framework that blends:

• Modernised air-defence systems

• Counter-drone technologies

• Offensive strike capabilities

• Technology-backed surveillance

• Civilian–military coordination

This initiative sets the stage for a more secure national environment, balancing military readiness with civilian infrastructure resilience.

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