Mission Sudarshan Chakra to Power India’s Multi-Layer Missile Shield: Rajnath Singh

India is moving towards building a comprehensive multi-layer missile defence architecture under the ambitious Mission Sudarshan Chakra , with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stating that the initiative will provide a robust shield for military, strategic and civilian assets while strengthening the country's deterrence capabilities against evolving security threats.

Speaking after inaugurating the Advanced Weapon System Complex at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad on Friday, Singh said the mission, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 2025 Independence Day address, is envisioned as a next-generation defence network capable of protecting critical infrastructure and key establishments across the country.

The Defence Minister said the proposed system would feature a three-layer protection mechanism , enabling India to counter a wide range of aerial threats while ensuring minimal inconvenience to citizens. He added that the architecture would also possess the capability to deliver a decisive response whenever required.

Highlighting India's growing defence capabilities, Singh credited the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for advancing indigenous technologies that have enhanced national security. He pointed to the performance of systems such as Akash and BrahMos during Operation Sindoor , saying their effectiveness demonstrated the increasing strength of India's defence research and development ecosystem.

Defence experts view Mission Sudarshan Chakra as an umbrella framework that will integrate multiple layers of air and missile defence into a unified national shield. The emerging architecture is expected to combine long-range surveillance radars, advanced sensors, command-and-control networks, interceptor missiles and space-based monitoring systems capable of detecting and tracking threats in real time.

A key component of this architecture is Project Kusha , DRDO's indigenous long-range air defence programme. Designed as a three-tier interceptor system, Project Kusha is expected to engage aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles at varying ranges and altitudes, significantly expanding India's defensive reach.

The initiative will also build upon India's existing Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Programme , including next-generation interceptor missiles such as AD-1 and AD-2 , which are being developed to counter advanced ballistic missile threats.

Singh noted that modern warfare is being transformed by technologies such as hypersonic weapons , artificial intelligence, autonomous platforms, electronic warfare systems and precision-strike capabilities. In such an environment, he said, nations must possess both resilience and deterrence to safeguard their interests.

Urging DRDO to accelerate the transition from development to production, Singh emphasised the need for greater indigenous content and rapid manufacturing capabilities. As Mission Sudarshan Chakra progresses, it is expected to become a cornerstone of India's drive towards strategic self-reliance and a critical pillar of its future security architecture.