Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced the launch of Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a project to develop an indigenous air-defence system aimed at protecting India’s vital military and civilian installations while delivering a decisive response to any enemy threat. The move comes amid growing security concerns from Pakistan and China.

In his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Modi underscored India’s resolve to reduce dependence on foreign technologies, calling on innovators and youth to design and manufacture jet engines within the country for future fighter aircraft. Experts said the planned air-defence system could be similar to Israel’s Iron Dome all-weather missile shield.

The announcement follows reports that Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir recently hinted at targeting Indian assets, including Reliance’s Jamnagar refinery, in case of a future conflict. Modi linked the mission to Lord Krishna’s mythical Sudarshan Chakra, symbolising India’s blend of cultural heritage and modern defence innovation.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of self-reliance in military aviation, noting the long-delayed Kaveri engine project, which was approved in 1989 and has already consumed over Rs 2,000 crore without completion. He stressed that the future of India’s defence must rest on home-grown technology, especially amid delays in jet engine supplies from US defence major GE Aerospace to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Hailing Operation Sindoor, launched after the April 22 Pahalgam attack to target terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Modi said the mission showcased India’s ability to act independently with Made-in-India weapons, proving that national security cannot rely on foreign dependence.