DRDO to play key role in Sudarshan Chakra air defence initiative: Rajnath Singh

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday (January 1, 2026) said the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will play a pivotal role in the creation of Sudarshan Chakra, an ambitious air defence initiative announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day 2025 address from the Red Fort

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Mr. Singh was addressing scientists and senior officials during his visit to the DRDO headquarters in New Delhi on the occasion of the organisation’s 68th Foundation Day. Under the Sudarshan Chakra initiative, the DRDO will equip critical installations across the country with advanced air defence systems for comprehensive aerial protection over the next decade.

Highlighting the lessons from Operation Sindoor, the Minister said modern warfare underscores the importance of robust and reliable air defence capabilities. The DRDO would achieve the objectives of the Sudarshan Chakra initiative with dedication and urgency, strengthening India’s preparedness against evolving aerial threats, he said.

Weapon systems developed by the DRDO played a decisive role during Operation Sindoor, he said, underlining the organisation’s professionalism and commitment to safeguarding national interests. Commending the DRDO for significantly bolstering India’s indigenous defence capabilities, he said the state-of-the-art technologies and equipment supplied to the armed forces performed seamlessly during the operation. He noted that their reliable performance boosted the morale of soldiers and demonstrated the growing maturity of India’s defence research ecosystem.

Mr. Singh praised the DRDO not only as a technology creator but also as a trust builder, stating that the organisation had emerged as a symbol of hope, certainty, and belief for the nation. He acknowledged the DRDO’s expanding collaboration with the private sector, academia, start-ups, and MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises), which has contributed to the creation of a synergistic and vibrant defence ecosystem.

Visible improvements across processes — from procurement and project management to industry engagement— had made systems faster, easier, and more reliable, he said.

Calling upon the DRDO to remain aligned with the rapidly evolving global technological landscape, Mr. Singh urged the organisation to continue focusing on innovation, deep tech, and next generation technologies.

Emphasising the need for continuous learning and development, he said technology scanning, capability assessment, and future readiness are essential to ensure India remains prepared for emerging warfare domains.

During the visit, Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of the DRDO, briefed the Minister on the organisation’s achievements in 2025, ongoing R&D activities, initiatives involving industry and start-ups, and the roadmap, key targets, and reforms planned for 2026 to further strengthen the organisation.