Sudarshan Chakra: India's Future Air Defence Shield

Syllabus: Indigenization of Technology and Security

Ministry of Defence

Why in news?

DRDO is tasked with creating the 'Sudarshan Chakra' air defence system to ensure complete aerial protection of vital installations over the next decade.

⚛️Static Concepts

Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)Missile Defence Systems (Aashad, Prithvi)KAVACH (Railways) vs Defence Systems

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Prelims-Oriented Points

Announced by PM during Independence Day 2025 address; DRDO is the primary developing agency.
Role: Protecting vital installations with a comprehensive air defence shield over the next 10 years.
DRDO Achievements 2025: Highest ever 22 Acceptances of Necessity (AoN) worth Rs 1.30 lakh crore.
Notable Systems: Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) and 'Anant Shastra' (QRSAM).
Context: The efficacy of indigenous weapons was recently proven during Operation Sindoor.

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Examiner's Trap: Sudarshan Chakra is a 'system' for long-term aerial protection of vital installations, not just a single missile or short-range interceptor.

Quick Data Points

DRDO Foundation Day: 68th (Jan 1, 2026)

AoN Value (2025): Rs 1.30 lakh crore (highest in history)

Contracts Signed: Rs 26,000 crore in 2025

Mains Value Addition

GS-3: Security Challenges and their Management; Internal Security.

Strategic Autonomy: Reducing dependence on foreign air defence systems (like S-400) through indigenous shields.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Catalyzing the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem through DRDO R&D.
Future Warfare: Shifting focus to cyber security, space, and AI-driven defence platforms.

Source

Press Information Bureau (PIB)

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