Why in News?
India is developing a joint Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) grid to tackle rising threats from hostile and rogue drones. This initiative is part of the broader Mission Sudarshan Chakra, aimed at strengthening Indiaβs air defence network.
Mission Sudarshan Chakra:
Mission Sudarshan ChakraΒ isΒ a comprehensive 10-year national security initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2025, during the 79th Independence Day address. It aims to build an indigenous, AI-enabled, multi-layered air and missile defence shield for India by 2035.
It consists of Multi-Layer Interceptor Systems. They are
- Project Kusha:Β An indigenous Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) system featuring three missile variantsβM1 (150 km),Β M2 (250 km), andΒ M3 (350β400 km)βdesigned to rival the S-400.
- Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD):Β A two-tier system for tracking and destroying ballistic missiles both inside (endo) and outside (exo) the atmosphere.
- Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS):Β A tactical layer consisting ofΒ QRSAMΒ (Quick Reaction SAM),Β VSHORADSΒ (Very Short Range), and 5 kW laser-basedΒ Directed Energy Weapons (DEW).
Exam Tip:
Mission Sudarshan Chakra = Indiaβs version of multi-layered air defence shield
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/drdo-air-defence-system-mission-sudarshan-chakra-10208827/: Mission Sudarshan Chakra: India Building Counter-Drone Grid