Rajnath Singh Says Sudarshan Chakra Will Be Crucial for Protecting India’s Strategic Assets

India’s future indigenous air defence architecture, Sudarshan Chakra, will be a key pillar in protecting the nation’s vital assets, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday. Addressing senior commanders of the Indian Air Force (IAF), he also urged them to draw operational lessons from Operation Sindoor and remain fully prepared to counter emerging and evolving security challenges.

Speaking at the Air Force Commanders’ Conclave in New Delhi, the Defence Minister described the IAF as a technologically advanced, operationally agile, and strategically reliable force. He noted that such capabilities are essential at a time when the global security environment is becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable.

Citing Operation Sindoor, Rajnath Singh said the operation showcased India’s ability to conduct high-impact, short-duration missions through effective coordination, speed, and precision. He praised the IAF for neutralising what he termed Pakistan’s “irresponsible reaction” and for swiftly destroying terror camps during the course of the operation.

The Defence Minister also underlined the level of public confidence in India’s air defence capabilities. Referring to recent attempts to target Indian installations, he said citizens continued with their daily routines instead of panicking. “Normally, people seek shelter when an adversary attacks. But during attempts to strike Indian assets, civilians carried on with normal life. This reflects the trust every Indian has in our operational preparedness,” he observed.

Highlighting the changing nature of modern warfare, Rajnath Singh pointed to conflicts such as the Russia–Ukraine war, the Israel–Hamas conflict, the Balakot airstrikes, and Operation Sindoor as clear indicators of the growing importance of air power. He said air power today is not merely a tactical instrument but a strategic one, defined by speed, surprise, and shock, enabling political leadership to send strong strategic signals to adversaries.

Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address earlier this year, Rajnath Singh reiterated the significance of Sudarshan Chakra. He described it as a future-ready, integrated air defence framework designed to protect critical infrastructure, military bases, and population centres across the country.

According to the Defence Minister, Sudarshan Chakra will substantially enhance India’s layered air defence by integrating sensors, weapon platforms, and command-and-control systems, allowing for faster and more coordinated responses to aerial threats.

Stressing that modern warfare increasingly hinges on technology, innovation, and adaptability, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening National Security. He noted that cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), satellite-based surveillance, and space-enabled capabilities are reshaping battlefields, making real-time, data-driven decisions and precision-guided weapons a necessity rather than a choice.

Rajnath Singh also highlighted the government’s strong backing for the development of indigenous jet engines, calling it a national priority. He said initiatives such as iDEX and ADITI have enabled greater participation by the private sector, including start-ups and MSMEs, in modernising India’s armed forces.

As of November 2025, a total of 565 iDEX challenges have resulted in 672 winners, including 96 winners from 77 IAF-specific challenges, reflecting the growing role of domestic industry and innovation in defence preparedness.

Emphasising the need for deeper integration among the three services, the Defence Minister said Operation Sindoor stood out as a strong example of tri-service synergy. He also lauded the IAF’s role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in India and abroad, noting that such missions have further strengthened public trust in the force.

The conclave was attended by senior IAF commanders and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh welcomed the Defence Minister and briefed him on the Indian Air Force’s current operational preparedness and future plans.