Red Fort Independence Day speech,

PM Modi Launches Mission Sudarshan Chakra: India’s Own ‘Iron Dome’

New Delhi, August 15, 2025 – In a landmark Independence Day announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a cutting-edge defence initiative designed to create a multi-layered security shield across India. Drawing inspiration from Lord Shri Krishna’s legendary weapon, the Sudarshan Chakra, the system aims to safeguard strategic, civilian, and religious sites from aerial, land, and sea-based threats.

Addressing the nation from the Red Fort, PM Modi declared that by 2035, the shield would be fully expanded, strengthened, and modernised, relying entirely on indigenous research, development, and manufacturing. The mission will be spearheaded by India’s defence scientists, engineers, and youth innovators to ensure technological self-reliance.


Aiming for Iron Dome-Level Capabilities

Mission Sudarshan Chakra is being positioned as India’s answer to Israel’s Iron Dome, the globally renowned defence system credited with intercepting thousands of incoming rockets with a claimed success rate of over 90%. Unlike the Iron Dome, India’s version will integrate air defence, land-based interception, and maritime security measures, creating a comprehensive tri-domain defence network.

According to PM Modi, the shield will feature:

  • Advanced surveillance systems for real-time threat detection.

  • High-speed interceptors to neutralise missiles, drones, and aircraft.

  • Counter-attack capabilities to strike back at hostile targets.

  • AI-powered command systems for faster decision-making and threat prioritisation.

“This system will not only prevent terrorist and hostile attacks but will also ensure swift retaliation when required,” the Prime Minister said.


Strategic Timing Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

The announcement comes in the wake of escalating tensions with Pakistan. On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Indian forces struck nine terror camps and 13 Pakistani military sites, eliminating over 100 militants and damaging key enemy infrastructure.

India’s leadership has underscored the need for permanent, tech-driven defence measures to ensure such attacks are intercepted before they reach critical zones.


Honouring the Heroes of Operation Sindoor

Independence Day celebrations also included a tribute to the armed forces personnel who participated in Operation Sindoor. President Droupadi Murmu approved 127 gallantry awards and 40 distinguished service awards to recognise their bravery and service.

Key awards include:

  • 4 Kirti Chakras

  • 15 Vir Chakras

  • 16 Shaurya Chakras

  • 2 Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry)

  • 58 Sena Medals (Gallantry)

  • 6 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry)

  • 26 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry)

  • 7 Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals

  • 9 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals

  • 24 Yudh Seva Medals

These awards honour soldiers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force who executed precision strikes and high-risk missions during the conflict.


Building a Future-Ready Security Shield

Defence experts believe that Mission Sudarshan Chakra will mark a paradigm shift in India’s defence preparedness. By relying on indigenous innovation, India will avoid dependency on foreign defence imports, strengthening Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) goals.

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that DRDO, ISRO, BEL, and private sector defence startups will collaborate to deliver the system. Development will focus on scalable modules, allowing deployment across border zones, major cities, naval bases, and sensitive religious landmarks.


The Road Ahead

The government’s 10-year vision is to ensure that by 2035, India’s skies, borders, and waters are guarded by a state-of-the-art, AI-enabled shield capable of deterring and neutralising threats before they cause harm.

While comparisons to the Iron Dome are inevitable, officials stress that Mission Sudarshan Chakra will go beyond traditional aerial defence, making it one of the most comprehensive national defence systems in the world.

“Just as the Sudarshan Chakra of Lord Krishna was unstoppable, so too will be India’s defence shield,” PM Modi concluded, evoking both mythological pride and modern ambition.

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