Mission Sudarshan Chakra, India's very own version of Israel's Iron Dome, is in the works, Indian Air Force Chief Air Marshal AP Singh said on Friday. Addressing the media ahead of the IAF Day celebrations on October 8, the IAF Chief spoke extensively about how India is working towards securing its skies against future wars.
The announcement comes just weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the unique initiative during his Independence Day address on August 15. The mission has gained significance in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, which brought India and Pakistan to the brink of a full-blown war - the closest since the Kargil conflict of 1999.
Named after the legendary weapon of Lord Krishna, Mission Sudarshan Chakra is envisioned as a long-term programme to build an elaborate defence system capable of protecting Indian cities from incoming missiles while also striking back at the source.
The Integrated Air Defence System (IADS) under the mission will include radars, range identifiers, and a launch command system. It will deploy short-, medium-, and long-range surface-to-air missiles designed to neutralise threats from drones, fighter aircraft, and ballistic missiles.
Mission Sudarshan Chakra is expected to be operational by 2035, with the aim of shielding key cities - including the National Capital, New Delhi - from potential enemy attacks. Here are the comparison between India’s Sudarshan Chakra vs Israel’s Iron Dome.
| Feature | Israel Iron Dome | India's Proposed Air Defense System - Sudarshan Chakra |
| Primary Role | Intercepts short-range rockets, artillery, mortars | Multi-layered: intercepts drones, aircraft, ballistic/cruise missiles, stealth, hypersonic threats |
| Range | 4–70 km | 30–400 km (depending on subsystem, e.g., Akash, MR-SAM, S-400, future Kusha/Chakra) |
| Operational Status | In service since 2011 | Some systems operational (Akash, MR-SAM, S-400); multi-layer and AI projects in development |
| Missile Types | Tamir interceptor missiles | Multiple: Akash, MR-SAM, Barak-8, S-400, new indigenous missiles proposed |
| Radar & Sensors | AESA radar, fire-control battle management unit | Integrated phased array radars, AI-enabled command and control network |
| Mobility | Mobile, truck-mounted launchers | Mix of truck, tracked, fixed and ship/airforce-based platforms |
| Targets Simultaneously | Swarm attacks, multiple rockets at once | Multiple targets, high saturation threats, swarm drone defense |
| Cost per Interceptor | Approx. $40,000–$100,000 | Varies widely; indigenous missiles considered much lower cost, S-400 higher |
| Unique Features | Rapid response, in-combat proven, high PK | Multi-layer, broad spectrum, layered protection, AI decision support |
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