MHOW (MP): The ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ air defence system will require the development of a comprehensive infrastructure encompassing a wide range of tri-services military assets, including missiles and surveillance systems, aimed at creating an impregnable strategic shield, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan said on Tuesday.
Addressing a conference, Gen Chauhan emphasized that a “whole-of-nation” approach will be essential for the project’s success. He also noted that the Sudarshan Chakra is envisioned along the lines of Israel’s Iron Dome, an all-weather air defence system renowned for its effectiveness.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the initiative on August 15, highlighting the need for an indigenous air defence system to safeguard India’s critical military and civilian infrastructure while enabling decisive responses to potential threats, particularly in the context of security challenges from Pakistan and China.
In his first public remarks on the project, Gen Chauhan stressed the importance of multi-domain Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) integration across ground, air, maritime, undersea, and space-based sensors. He added that substantial efforts from all three services will be necessary to integrate these systems effectively.
“A colossal amount of integration will be required, and multiple fields will need to be networked to provide a comprehensive operational picture,” he said.
Gen Chauhan further indicated that the project will incorporate artificial intelligence, advanced computation, data analytics, deep data analysis, and quantum technology.
The announcement of Sudarshan Chakra came shortly after Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir reportedly threatened Indian assets along the border, including Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar refinery, in the event of a military confrontation. The project aims for full implementation by 2035.
Speaking at the Ran Samwad conference at the Army War College, Gen Chauhan also highlighted the need for enhanced tri-services integration. The two-day conclave, designed to bring serving military professionals into strategic dialogue, will feature a plenary address by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the final day.
Several joint doctrines, along with a technology perspective and capability roadmap, are set to be unveiled during the event. This first-of-its-kind initiative will have each thematic session led by serving officers sharing firsthand operational insights and reflections from modern battlefields.
The conference is curated by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies, in collaboration with the Army Training Command, under the overall guidance of the Chief of Defence Staff.
