
PM launches 'Sudarshan Chakra' Mission for national security shield
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In a significant announcement that will have far reaching consequences for the future of the armed forces and defence of the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a new mission that will identify and induct future weapons over the next decade to provide a comprehensive national security shield Naming it the Sudarshan Chakra Mission , the PM said the entire system will be developed and manufactured in India and will also include precision strike elements , besides ensuring the security of both strategic and civilian establishments like hospitals, railway networks and centres of faith."Whatever technology comes to attack us, our technology should prove to be better than that and hence, in the coming 10 years, till 2035, I want to expand this national security shield, strengthen it, modernise it and hence, taking inspiration from Lord Shri Krishna, we have chosen the path of the Sudarshan Chakra," the PM said from the ramparts of Red Fort.The PM also made a strong case for self-reliance in the defence sector , pointing out that India was able to carry out Operation Sindoor due to home grown weapons and did not have to go out to the world for arms to prepare for the strike. Significantly, the PM announced a strong determination to develop an indigenous fighter jet engine , which is the basic element for developing future fighter jets.The PM shared that some basic elements of the Sudarshan Chakra mission have already been decided and the project will be taken up with great intensity over the next decade.The PM added that the system will be designed keeping in mind the changing nature of warfare and that it would also have the capability of conducting targeted precision action if required. While further details are yet to be shared, the comprehensive system is likely to include different elements of modern warfare, including cyber defence and offence, space-based assets, close range and long range anti drone systems, offensive drone capabilities and integration of a tri service missile force.
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