Sudarshan Chakra to play crucial role in protecting national assets: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that Sudarshan Chakra, India’s upcoming indigenous air defence system, will play a decisive role in safeguarding the country’s critical national assets. He also urged top Indian Air Force (IAF) commanders to draw operational lessons from Operation Sindoor and remain prepared for future challenges.

Addressing the Air Force Commanders’ Conclave in Delhi, Rajnath Singh described the IAF as a technologically advanced, operationally agile and strategically confident force, capable of responding effectively to an increasingly complex global security environment.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, the Defence Minister said India’s armed forces demonstrated high-impact, short-duration operational capability through speed, precision and coordination. He praised the IAF for the swift destruction of terror camps during the operation and for effectively neutralising what he termed Pakistan’s “irresponsible reaction” following the strikes.

Highlighting public confidence in India’s air defence preparedness, Rajnath Singh said the calm displayed by citizens during attempted targeting of Indian installations reflected the nation’s trust in its armed forces. “Usually, when the enemy attacks, people hide. But when Pakistani forces attempted to target Indian installations, people continued with their daily routines. This shows the faith of every Indian in our operational readiness,” he said.

Emphasising the evolving character of warfare, the Defence Minister said conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Balakot air strikes and Operation Sindoor underscore the growing centrality of air power. “Air power today is not merely a tactical asset but a strategic instrument. Speed, surprise and shock are its defining features,” he said, adding that air power enables political leadership to send a clear and credible strategic message to adversaries.

Rajnath Singh underlined the importance of Sudarshan Chakra, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address earlier this year, describing it as a future-ready, integrated air defence framework aimed at protecting vital infrastructure, military installations and population centres.

He said the system will significantly enhance India’s layered air defence capability by integrating sensors, weapons platforms and command-and-control systems to respond swiftly to aerial threats.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening national security, noting that modern warfare increasingly hinges on technology, innovation and adaptability.

“Cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicles, satellite-based surveillance and space-enabled capabilities are reshaping the battlefield. Precision-guided weapons and real-time, data-driven decision-making are no longer optional but essential,” he said.

The Defence Minister also highlighted that the development of indigenous jet engines has been declared a national mission, with full government backing. He said the modernisation of the armed forces is being pursued in close collaboration with the private sector, including start-ups and MSMEs, through initiatives such as iDEX and ADITI.

As of November 2025, 672 winners have emerged from 565 iDEX challenges, including 96 winners from 77 IAF-related challenges, reflecting growing private-sector participation in defence innovation.

Calling Operation Sindoor a strong example of tri-service synergy, Rajnath Singh stressed the need for greater jointness among the armed forces to counter evolving threats more effectively. He also praised the IAF’s role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, both within India and abroad, noting that such missions have strengthened public trust in the force.

The conclave was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and senior IAF commanders. Upon arrival, the Defence Minister was received by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and was briefed on the IAF’s operational readiness.

- Ends