India links radars, satellites, energy weapons under ‘Sudarshan Chakra’

INDIA'S MISSION SUDARSHAN Chakra will create a nationwide air defence shield by linking 6,000 to 7,000 radars (to track hostile targets far beyond the horizon), satellites (to keep constant watch from space), and DEWs or directed energy weapons (laser-based systems designed to destroy enemy threats).

- AMRITA NAYAK DUTTA

These, along with other surveillance and defence platforms, will feed into one integrated network, it has been learnt.

According to sources, the armed forces, paramilitary forces, defence PSUs, the private sector and several R&D bodies will be part of the project. Strategic locations to be covered by the system have already been identified, sources said.

The multilayered air defence shield is aimed at monitoring, detecting, identifying and destroying enemy threats directed at India. Currently, the country’s air defence infrastructure is largely focused on protecting critical military installations and strategic assets. Sudarshan Chakra will extend this coverage significantly to key locations and population centres across the country.