By Dalip Singh

Copyright thehindubusinessline

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that a committee has been formed to examine the ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ project — a proposed advanced air defence system envisioned to function like Israel’s Iron Dome — and to prepare a realistic action plan for its implementation.

Addressing the Combined Commanders’ Conference 2025 in Kolkata, the Defence Minister emphasised the need to formulate a medium-term plan spanning the next five years, and a long-term plan for the next decade, to execute the ambitious vision.

The Sudarshan Chakra project, first publicly announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, is aimed at creating a robust shield to protect India from incoming aerial threats, including missiles, drones, and other airborne attacks.

The Defence Minister “called upon the Commanders to be proactive in their approach and strive to build the Sudarshan Chakra as envisioned by PM Modi,” a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence read. The top brass of the Army, Air Force and Navy, apart from DRDO and the Defence Minister, are attending the three-day Conference, which will end on Wednesday.

Defence Reforms

In a push to streamline defence acquisition, given the changing nature of warfare, Singh stated that after coming out with the revised Defence Procurement Manual 2025, the Ministry is also in the process of reworking the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 to simplify and accelerate procurement, enhance transparency, and provide timely support to the armed forces.

He reiterated that self-reliance is not a slogan but a strategic necessity, adding that the indigenisation drive under Aatmanirbhar Bharat is creating jobs, fueling innovation, and strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.

Strategic Jointness

Highlighting the Prime Minister’s guiding mantra of “JAI – Jointness, Aatmanirbharta, and Innovation”, the Minister called upon the military leadership to focus on seamless coordination among the three services and with other strategic agencies under the whole-of-nation approach.

He emphasised the ongoing efforts to promote jointness and synergy, including the establishment of Tri-Service Logistics Nodes and a Tri-Service Logistics Management Application, aimed at fostering greater integration.

The Defence Minister also underscored the achievements of Operation Sindoor, which he said proved that strength, strategy, and self-reliance are India’s core pillars of power in the 21st century.

The Defence Minister noted that the nature of warfare is rapidly evolving, marked by sudden outbreaks, technological superiority, and blurred frontlines. “Wars of today are so unpredictable that their duration is impossible to forecast — they could last months or even years. We must remain prepared with adequate surge capacity,” he said.

He reiterated the importance of India’s defence sector becoming not only technology-friendly, but also self-reliant and proactive, capable of both offensive and defensive operations.

Published on September 16, 2025