Mission Sudarshan Chakra 2035, a significant step towards developing a long-range conventional ballistic missile and a potent anti-ballistic missile defence system, was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The move comes after Pakistan fired over 1,000 missiles at India during Operation Sindoor and failed to breach Indian defences. PM Modi outlined the vision during his Independence Day address.
“India is launching Mission Sudarshan Chakra to create a powerful weapon system to thwart any attempt by enemies to attack us… all public places will be covered by an expanded nationwide security shield by 2035,” he said.
The plan aims to protect the nation from regional and global adversaries armed with stand-off weapons.
Current and Future Missile Projects
Work on anti-ballistic missile defence is already underway at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). India also needs to expand its arsenal of conventional ballistic missiles capable of striking land, sea, and air targets.
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The DRDO is developing the Pralay surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile. It will have a range of 500 km and carry a 500–1000 kg warhead, making it capable of striking both land and sea-based targets.
Possible Expansion of Project Kusha
National security experts believe PM Modi’s announcement hints at an expansion of DRDO’s Project Kusha, also called the Extended Range Air Defence System. The project aims to develop long-range surface-to-air missile systems with three interceptor variants by 2028–2030.
Cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security in May 2022, Project Kusha is scheduled to begin missile testing later this year.
Lessons from Operation Sindoor and Global Conflicts
India’s need for a strong anti-ballistic missile defence became urgent after Pakistan fired short-range Fatah I and Fatah II missiles deep into Indian territory during Operation Sindoor.
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Global examples also underline this need. Israel was able to defend itself after Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and armed drones — twice in two years — thanks to its missile defence systems.
Pakistan’s Escalation and Violations
After India destroyed nine terrorist camps in Pakistan on May 7, Pakistan retaliated with Turkish armed drones and Chinese ballistic missiles. A no-fire pact was declared on May 10 at 5:30 pm, but Pakistan violated it the same night with armed drone attacks and long-range artillery shelling.
The push for Mission Sudarshan Chakra reflects the realities of modern warfare by PM Modi. Conflicts now rely heavily on long-range stand-off weapons and missile defence systems.
While Pakistan’s conventional missile arsenal is small, India’s other adversaries possess a wide range of conventional ballistic missiles and rockets. These weapons can cause severe damage to India’s hinterland if hostilities break out.
Mission Sudarshan Chakra aims to give India the capability to neutralise such threats before they strike.
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