Context:
On the occasion of DRDO’s 68th Foundation Day in New Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the pivotal role of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in the newly announced ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ initiative, aimed at significantly enhancing India’s air defence capabilities by 2035.
Key Highlights:
• Government Initiative / Strategic Vision
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The Sudarshan Chakra initiative, announced by the Prime Minister, aims to equip critical installations with advanced multi-layered air defence systems.
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Focus on addressing evolving aerial threats, including:
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Drones and swarm attacks
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Ballistic and cruise missiles
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Advanced fighter aircraft
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• Role of DRDO
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DRDO will provide comprehensive aerial protection systems over the next decade.
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Emphasis on indigenous design, development, and production.
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Commended for performance during Operation Sindoor, demonstrating operational readiness of indigenous systems.
• Ecosystem Development
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Strengthened collaboration with:
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Private sector industries
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Start-ups
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Academia
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MSMEs
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Streamlining of procurement processes and project management systems.
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Push towards deep-tech innovation and next-generation defence technologies.
• Strategic Significance
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Reflects lessons from modern warfare trends, especially drone warfare and precision strikes.
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Supports India’s goal of self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in defence production.
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Enhances preparedness in emerging warfare domains such as cyber and space-enabled warfare.
Relevant Prelims Points:
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DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation):
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Established in 1958.
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Functions under the Ministry of Defence.
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Responsible for indigenous development of defence technologies including missiles, radars, EW systems, UAVs.
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Key DRDO-developed air defence systems include:
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Akash Missile System
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Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Programme
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Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM)
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Anti-Drone Systems
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Operation Sindoor: Highlighted the importance of robust, layered air defence preparedness.
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Air defence architecture generally includes:
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Detection (radars, satellites)
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Tracking and command systems
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Interception systems (SAMs, lasers, EW systems)
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MSMEs play a crucial role in defence supply chains under Make in India.
Relevant Mains Points:
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GS 3 (Internal Security):
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Strengthening air defence is critical amid rising threats from UAVs, cross-border missile systems, and hybrid warfare.
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Multi-layered defence architecture enhances protection of critical infrastructure and strategic assets.
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GS 3 (Science & Technology):
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Role of indigenous R&D in missile technology, AI-enabled surveillance, and deep-tech defence solutions.
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Importance of technology scanning and future capability assessment.
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GS 2 (Governance):
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Defence reforms: improving procurement efficiency, public-private partnerships, and indigenisation.
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Alignment with Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) and Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives.
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Strategic Concerns:
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Need for sustained funding and faster testing cycles.
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Integration of multiple defence layers into a seamless command system.
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Balancing indigenisation with timely imports where necessary.
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• Way Forward:
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Accelerate development of next-generation air defence systems, including directed-energy weapons.
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Strengthen collaboration with start-ups and defence innovation hubs.
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Enhance integration between armed forces and R&D institutions.
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Invest in AI, space-based surveillance, and cyber-resilient command systems.
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Develop a long-term roadmap aligned with India’s 2035 defence preparedness goals.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS 2: Defence governance, institutional reforms
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GS 3: Internal Security, Defence Technology, Indigenisation
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Prelims: DRDO, Missile systems, Air defence architecture, Operation-based preparedness