Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday unveiled Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a high-tech defence programme to boost India’s security. The mission will protect strategic, civilian, and religious sites from enemy attacks. It will also focus on creating new advanced weapons.

Multi-layered Security Shield

Speaking from the Red Fort on Independence Day, PM Modi said the project will use the latest technology to build a strong, multi-layered shield around vital locations across the country. “In the next ten years, by 2035, I want to expand, strengthen, and modernise this national security shield. Drawing inspiration from Lord Shri Krishna, we have chosen the path of the Sudarshan Chakra... The nation will be launching the Sudarshan Chakra Mission,” he declared.

Make in India Focus

PM Modi stressed that the entire system should be researched, developed, and made in India. He called on young talent to take part. “This powerful system will not only counter terrorist attacks but also strike back at the terrorists,” he said.

India’s Own Iron Dome

Modi explained that Mission Sudarshan Chakra will be India’s answer to Israel’s Iron Dome. The Israeli system, operational since the 2010s, has intercepted thousands of rockets from Hamas and Hezbollah with a success rate above 90 per cent. “India aims to develop its own Iron Dome-like defence system, named Mission Sudarshan Chakra, designed to safeguard critical sites, including civilian areas,” he added.

The new defence shield will combine surveillance, interception, and counter-attack abilities. It will respond swiftly to threats from air, land, and sea.

Operation Sindoor Success

The announcement came as tensions with Pakistan remain high. On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack killed 26 people. Indian forces destroyed nine terror camps, killing over 100 terrorists. They also hit 13 Pakistani military sites and airbases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Honouring the Brave

India also paid tribute to soldiers who took part in Operation Sindoor. President Droupadi Murmu approved numerous wartime honours on the eve of the 79th Independence Day.

The awards include four Kirti Chakras, 15 Vir Chakras, 16 Shaurya Chakras, two Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry), 58 Sena Medals (Gallantry), six Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry), 26 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry), seven Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals, nine Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, and 24 Yudh Seva Medals, according to the Defence Ministry.