On India’s 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi painted a bold vision of the future, one where India’s skies, cities, and sacred spaces will be protected by a homegrown defence shield as powerful as it is symbolic.

Standing at the Red Fort, he announced Mission Sudarshan Chakra, an ambitious plan to build an indigenous, multi-layered air-defence system by 2035. Drawing inspiration from Lord Krishna’s mythological weapon, Modi said the project will ensure that “every citizen feels protected,” whether in a bustling railway station, a temple, or a government complex.

This is not just about building missiles or interceptors. Mission Sudarshan Chakra is envisioned as a comprehensive security network weaving together surveillance, cyber protection, artificial intelligence, and precision strike capabilities. Much like the Sudarshan Chakra itself, which never missed its target, the shield will be designed to respond swiftly and accurately to evolving threats, from drones and cyber intrusions to advanced missiles.

Bridging Heritage and Modernity

What makes this announcement remarkable is how it ties India’s cultural heritage with its technological aspirations. By naming the project after a legendary symbol of strength and protection, the government is not only signalling military preparedness but also anchoring it in a deeper national identity.

Jet Engines: Powering the Skies the Indian Way

The Prime Minister also addressed another long-standing gap in India’s defence capabilities—the absence of indigenous fighter jet engines. While aircraft like the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft are symbols of Indian engineering, their engines still come from abroad. Modi called upon scientists, engineers, and the youth to step up and deliver an engine designed, tested, and built entirely in India.

This push comes after earlier efforts, such as the Kaveri engine project, failed to meet operational needs. But the renewed emphasis reflects a strategic shift: if India can put satellites into space, it can surely build engines to power its own jets.

Why These Announcements Matter

At a time when the world is witnessing unpredictable security threats, Mission Sudarshan Chakra offers a roadmap for resilience. It will:

• Strengthen national security in an age of drones, hypersonic weapons, and cyber warfare.
• Reduce dependence on imports, supporting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Protect not just military bases, but also hospitals, railways, and places of worship, making security truly citizen-centric.
• Create thousands of jobs in defence manufacturing, while boosting India’s potential as a global defence exporter.

A Vision for 2035

By 2035, if the mission is realized, India could possess one of the most advanced defence shields in the world, its very own “Iron Dome,” but uniquely Indian in design, scope, and philosophy. Alongside this, homegrown jet engines could finally power India’s fighters, ending decades of dependence on foreign technology.

Together, these announcements mark a paradigm shift in India’s strategic posture from a buyer of security to a builder of it.

In the Prime Minister’s words, this is about ensuring that every Indian, wherever they are, feels safe under the protection of a shield forged at home, born from heritage, strengthened by innovation, and built for the future.