India is poised to undergo a revolutionary transformation in its defence capabilities with the announcement of Mission Sudarshan Chakra and the accelerated development of Project Kusha, representing the nation’s most ambitious air and missile defence initiatives to date. These interconnected programs signal India’s commitment to achieving strategic autonomy through indigenous defence technology while establishing a comprehensive security shield comparable to global systems like Israel’s Iron Dome and the proposed US Golden Dome.
Mission Sudarshan Chakra: India’s Comprehensive Defence Vision
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of Mission Sudarshan Chakra on Independence Day 2025 marked a paradigmatic shift in India’s defence strategy. The mission’s strategic philosophy transcends traditional defensive approaches. Unlike purely reactive systems, Sudarshan Chakra is designed as both “shield and sword,” incorporating decisive counter-offensive capabilities.
Read- Sudarshan Chakra Will Be India’s Own Iron Dome
Prime Minister Modi explicitly stated that the system would not only neutralise enemy attacks but would also “hit back at the adversary ‘many times more'”, indicating a fundamental departure from defensive-only doctrines toward an integrated deterrence model.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan elaborated on the system’s complexity, describing it as requiring “a colossal amount of integration” of sensors, missiles, surveillance apparatus, and artificial intelligence tools. The system will encompass multi-domain ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) integration across ground, air, maritime, undersea, and space domains.
Project Kusha: The Technological Foundation
Project Kusha serves as the cornerstone technology for Mission Sudarshan Chakra, representing India’s indigenous alternative to the Russian S-400 system. Led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), this initiative focuses on developing long-range surface-to-air missile systems with capabilities rivalling global benchmarks.
The project features a three-tiered interceptor missile system designed to engage threats across different ranges and altitudes:
M1 Interceptor (150 km range): Scheduled for testing in 2026, this missile will target incoming aircraft, stealth fighters, cruise missiles, drones, and precision-guided munitions. The M1 features an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) seeker, infrared and radio frequency guidance, and a dual-pulse solid rocket motor for enhanced maneuverability. With a single-shot kill probability of at least 90% (up to 98.5% in salvo mode), it represents a significant advancement in tactical engagement capabilities.
Read- Indian Air Force Was ‘On Song’ That Night: Air Chief Marshal AP Singh On Op Sindoor
Read- L&T Successfully Wraps Up Multiple Flight Trials of Its Teer Target Drone
M2 Interceptor (250 km Range): Set for testing in 2027, the M2 extends engagement capabilities to counter medium-range threats while maintaining the same 250mm diameter kill vehicle as the M1 but with extended booster configurations.
M3 Interceptor (350 km Range): Scheduled for testing in 2028, the M3 represents the system’s longest-range capability, designed to engage high-value targets at maximum distances.
The Defence Ministry has allocated approximately ₹21,700 crore ($2.6 billion) for procuring five squadrons of the system for the Indian Air Force, with BEL expecting potential orders worth up to ₹40,000 crore if selected as the system integrator.
Integrated Air Defence Weapon System: Proven Capabilities
India’s defence capabilities received significant validation with the successful testing of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) on August 23, 2025. This multi-layered system demonstrated the simultaneous engagement and destruction of three different targets, including high-speed fixed-wing UAVs and multi-copter drones, using indigenous Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles, and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).
Read- Here Are Key Differences Between MK-1A & MK-2 Variants
Ballistic Missile Defence: Two-Phase Approach
India’s ballistic missile defence program operates through a comprehensive two-phase approach designed to counter threats across different range categories:
Phase I focuses on intercepting ballistic missiles with ranges up to 2,000 km and has been successfully deployed. The system employs the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) missile for high-altitude Exo-atmospheric interception and the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) missile for lower altitude Endo-atmospheric engagement. Phase I deployment is currently awaiting government approval for installation around the national capital.
Phase II addresses long-range missile threats with ranges between 2,000 and 5,000 km. The AD-1 interceptor missile, designed for both low Exo-atmospheric and Endo-atmospheric interception roles, successfully underwent testing in July 2024. According to DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat, the AD-1 can intercept incoming missiles with ranges of up to 5,000 km. The AD-2 missile, currently under development, will handle intermediate-range ballistic missiles and intercontinental ballistic missiles with ranges exceeding 5,000 km.
Timeline And Implementation Strategy
The ambitious timeline for India’s defence transformation follows a carefully structured approach:
2025-2026: M1 interceptor trials begin, with DRDO fabricating initial test missiles and BEL completing prototype development within 12-18 months
2027-2028: M2 and M3 interceptor testing phases, accompanied by full-scale user trials of the Project Kusha system
2028-2030: Completion of all three interceptor variants development and initial induction into Indian Air Force and Navy services
2030-2035: Progressive expansion of coverage from major cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru) and strategic bases to comprehensive protection of dams, refineries, heritage sites, rail networks, and power grids
2035: Full operational status of nationwide integrated defence shield
Summary
Mission Sudarshan Chakra and Project Kusha represent India’s boldest defence transformation initiative, promising to establish the nation as a self-reliant defence technology power while creating an impregnable security shield. The successful implementation of these programs by 2035 will not only secure India’s strategic interests but also position the country as a major player in global defence technology development, fundamentally altering regional security dynamics and establishing a new paradigm for indigenous defence capability development.
IDN (With Agency Inputs)
Agency
