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Calls for home-grown jet engine development, cite self-reliance as the cornerstone of national security

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced an ambitious project to develop an indigenous air-defence system designed to safeguard India’s critical military and civilian installations and deliver a decisive counter to enemy threats. The announcement, made from the ramparts of the Red Fort during his Independence Day address, comes amid heightened security concerns from both Pakistan and China.

Named “Mission Sudarshan Chakra”, the system will be aimed at neutralising enemy missiles and aerial attacks, significantly bolstering India’s defensive and offensive capabilities. While the Prime Minister did not detail the system’s specifications, defence experts believe it could be similar in concept to Israel’s Iron Dome, a highly effective all-weather missile shield. “Mission Sudarshan Chakra will ensure rapid, precise, and powerful responses to any threat,” Modi said, linking the name to Lord Krishna’s mythological weapon as a symbol of speed, accuracy, and strength.

The announcement came just days after reports that Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, had hinted at targeting Indian assets, including the Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat, in any future conflict.

Push for Strategic Autonomy

Reiterating India’s resolve to reduce dependence on foreign defence technologies, Modi urged Indian innovators and youth to focus on developing indigenous jet engines for fighter aircraft. This, he said, would ensure strategic autonomy and prevent delays caused by reliance on external suppliers.

The emphasis comes at a time when the proposed Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)–GE Aerospace joint production deal for jet engines has faced delays. GE has also missed deadlines for supplying engines for the Tejas fighter jets, slowing deliveries to the Indian Air Force.

India’s earlier attempt to build a home-grown jet engine — the Kaveri project — has been under development since 1989, with ₹2,035 crore spent so far but without achieving operational readiness.

Indigenous Success Stories

Modi also cited Operation Sindoor, launched after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, as an example of India’s self-reliance in action. The operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) using only Made-in-India weaponry, proving that decisive military action can be taken without foreign dependency. “National security cannot rely on imports. Our innovations must be our shield and sword,” Modi stressed.

Strategic Significance

The Sudarshan Chakra project, combined with indigenous jet engine development, marks a dual-track strategy: strengthening India’s defensive shield while enhancing offensive capabilities through self-reliant technology. Defence analysts see it as a clear signal that India intends to match or surpass global standards in air defence and aerospace technologies in the coming decade.