Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s latest Independence Day address has set the stage for a significant shift in India’s defence posture, with the announcement of *Mission Sudarshan Chakra*—an indigenous missile defence shield—and a renewed push for homegrown jet engines. The move signals a decisive step toward self-reliance in critical military technologies, one that could reshape India’s defence industry and its strategic position in the region.
The timing of this announcement is not coincidental. India faces an unprecedented convergence of security threats, making *Mission Sudarshan Chakra* not just strategic but essential for national survival. Recent events underscore the urgency of this comprehensive defence initiative.
### Immediate Security Provocations
Just days before Modi’s speech, Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir reportedly hinted at targeting Indian assets, including Reliance Industries Limited’s Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat, in the event of future military clashes. Such direct threats to critical civilian infrastructure highlight the vulnerability of India’s economic backbone and the need for robust protective measures.
### Escalating Terror Activities
The April Pahalgam terror attack and Pakistan’s planned strikes during Operation Sindoor—targeting Indian military bases, fighter jets, and cities—demonstrate the multi-pronged nature of modern threats. While India’s existing systems successfully intercepted these attacks, the frequency and sophistication of such attempts are increasing, demanding a more comprehensive response.
### Evolving Threat Landscape
Modern warfare extends far beyond traditional missile attacks. Today’s threats include cyber warfare, drone swarms, hypersonic weapons, and coordinated multi-domain attacks that can overwhelm conventional defence systems. Pakistan’s recent acquisition of advanced missile technology and China’s growing military capabilities in the region create a security environment where partial protection is no protection at all.
### Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability
India’s rapid economic growth has created numerous high-value targets—from tech hubs in Bengaluru and Hyderabad to industrial complexes in Gujarat and Maharashtra. The potential economic damage from successful attacks on these facilities could set back India’s development by decades.
### The Sudarshan Chakra Solution
The *Sudarshan Chakra* missile defence system will integrate advanced surveillance, cybersecurity, and physical defence to protect citizens and critical infrastructure. Named after the divine discus wielded by Lord Krishna in Hindu mythology, the project will be fully researched, developed, and manufactured in India, with major expansion and modernisation planned by 2035.
The system is expected to feature precision counterstrike capabilities and tools to counter cyber threats such as hacking and phishing. Developed through collaboration between India’s top scientific and defence research organisations, the military, and private sector innovators, *Sudarshan Chakra* could resemble Israel’s Iron Dome—an all-weather missile shield known for its high effectiveness.
While India already operates the Integrated Air Command and Control System, proven effective in Operation Sindoor, *Mission Sudarshan Chakra* aims to go beyond traditional missile defence, delivering a comprehensive, multi-layered security strategy to meet evolving threats.
Unveiling the plan from the Red Fort, PM Modi said that by 2035 he wants to expand, strengthen, and modernise India’s national security shield. The mission will harness the skills of young talent to create a dome-like defence shield capable of stopping terrorist attacks and striking back at terrorists, protecting both critical sites and civilian areas.
### Strategic Need for Sudarshan Chakra
India’s vast borders with hostile neighbours and extensive coastline create multiple attack vectors that require simultaneous monitoring and protection. Traditional point defenses cannot cover such expansive terrain effectively. Additionally, with India positioned to become the world’s third-largest economy, protecting industrial corridors, financial centres, and technological hubs becomes paramount. A single successful attack on Mumbai’s financial district or Bengaluru’s IT sector could have global economic repercussions.
A comprehensive missile defence system also serves as a powerful deterrent, raising the cost and complexity of any potential aggression. When adversaries know their attacks will likely fail, they are less likely to attempt them. Furthermore, by developing indigenous capabilities, India reduces dependence on foreign suppliers who might withdraw support during critical moments, as seen in various international conflicts.
### Why Develop Jet Engines Locally?
PM Modi also urged the country’s youth to develop jet engines within India, saying, “I urge young scientists, talented youth, engineers, professionals, and all government departments to ensure we have jet engines for our own Made-in-India fighter jets.” This call gains importance as talks between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and US defence company GE Aerospace to jointly produce a jet engine for India’s next-generation fighter aircraft have faced delays.
GE Aerospace has been late in delivering its jet engines to HAL, which has in turn delayed HAL’s handover of Tejas fighter jets to the Indian Air Force. India began work on an indigenous jet engine nearly
