Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (August 15) announced a project to develop an indigenous air-defence system to protect India’s vital military and civilian installations and deliver a decisive response to any enemy threat.
The move came amid concerns over security challenges emanating from Pakistan and China.
In his Independence Day address, PM Modi also hinted at New Delhi’s resolve to reduce dependence on foreign technologies for military platforms as he called for developing jet engines within the country for India’s fighter aircraft.
The prime minister did not elaborate on the defence system named “Sudarshan Chakra”.
However, experts believe it could be a multi-layered, all-weather air defense system similar to Israel’s Iron Dome. This new security shield is expected to protect against aerial threats, including stand-off weapons, and will likely incorporate an anti-ballistic missile system and offensive strike capabilities.
The prime minister stressed that national development and security are inseparable, stating that “indifference towards security is not an option.”
“By 2035, all the important places of the country, which include strategic as well as civilian areas like hospitals, railways, any centre of faith will be given a complete security cover through new platforms of technology,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the “security shield” should keep expanding and every citizen of the country should feel safe.
The prime minister linked the mission to Krishna’s Sudarshan Chakra, highlighting how India draws inspiration from its rich cultural and mythological heritage to guide modern defence innovations.
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“Whatever technology comes to attack us, our technology should prove to be better than that, and hence, in the coming 10 years, till 2035, I want to expand this national security shield, strengthen it, modernise it and hence, take inspiration from Lord Shri Krishna,” he said.
