Sudarshan Chakra: CDS Chauhan on massive project to build India's 'Iron Dome'

CDS Anil Chauhan

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan has said that the Sudarshan Chakra air defence system will be India's very own "Iron Dome" or "Golden Dome", similar to the world-class defence system used by Israel to neutralise enemy missiles and drones.

In his address at Ran Samwad 2025 in Madhya Pradesh's Mhow, Gen Chauhan said that building the Sudarshan Chakra will involve a robust infrastructure comprising a range of key tri-services military assets such as missiles and surveillance systems.

India is planning to create an impregnable strategic weapon, along the lines of Israel's Iron Dome, which will act as a shield and sword during times of conflict.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the project in his Independence Day speech on August 15, saying that India will develop an indigenous air defence system by 2035 to protect its vital military and civilian installations and deliver a decisive response to any enemy threat.

The announcement came months after India's intense military conflict with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. It also follows Pakistan army chief Gen Asim Munir's threat to blow up Indian dams on Indus river.

Gen Chauhan, who was speaking about the project for the first time, said the military will have to look at multi-domain ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) integration of ground, air, maritime, undersea and space, sensors.

The CDS added that a huge amount of efforts will be required by the three services to integrate various systems for the Sudarshan Chakra project.

"A colossal amount of integration will be required and multiple fields will need to be networked to provide a very true picture," he said.

He suggested that the project will also feature use of artificial intelligence, advanced computation, data analytics, deep data, analytics and quantum technology.

The term "Sudarshan Chakra" has a deep symbolic meaning in India since it is associated with the legendary, disc-shaped weapon belonging to Lord Vishnu.

The weapon is also associated with Lord Krishna — considered an incarnation of Vishnu — who wields it during his time on Earth.

The Russia-made S-400 air defence missile system is also called the Sudarshan Chakra in India. The system effectively countered Pakistan missiles and drones during the four-day conflict in May.

What is Iron Dome?

Israel’s Iron Dome is a mobile, all-weather air defense system developed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets, artillery shells and mortars fired toward populated areas.

It was first deployed in 2011 and was designed to counter frequent rocket attacks, particularly from Gaza.

The system uses advanced radar to detect incoming threats, calculates their trajectory and launches interceptor missiles only at those projected to strike critical targets, minimizing unnecessary launches.

Its success rate — often cited as over 85–90% — has turned it into a cornerstone of Israel’s defecse strategy, protecting cities and reducing civilian casualties while providing crucial time for civilians to seek shelter.