Archive · 9 Jan 2026
India Launches Drone Defense Initiatives
India is creating new systems to protect against drones.
Mission Sudarshan Chakra is a big shield to stop drones and missiles by 2035.
The Joint CUAS Grid will help the Army, Air Force, and Navy work together to find and stop bad drones.
Project Shaktibaan is making special drone teams for the Army.
These teams will use different kinds of drones, like swarm drones that work together, loitering munitions that wait and strike, and long-range drones for surveillance.
India is also training many people to operate these drones and is making them locally to be self-reliant.
This will help India stay safe from modern threats.
India has launched Mission Sudarshan Chakra to create a multi-layered shield against aerial threats, including drones and missiles, with a 2035 completion timeline.
The Joint Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) grid is being developed to integrate Army, Air Force, and Navy capabilities for faster detection and response to drone threats.
Project Shaktibaan aims to raise 15-20 specialized drone regiments for the Indian Army, focusing on swarm drones, loitering munitions, and long-range drones.
The Indian Army is investing ₹2,000 crore in loitering munitions and launch systems, with a focus on self-reliance by partnering with domestic defense companies.
Over 100,000 drone operators are being trained, and new specialized units are being integrated into the Army's structure to support the drone-centric approach.
- Who
- The Indian government and military, including the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
- What
- Launch of Mission Sudarshan Chakra and Project Shaktibaan to counter drone threats and modernize air defense.
- When
- Mission Sudarshan Chakra and Project Shaktibaan are ongoing, with a 2035 completion timeline for the former and initial regiments already operational for the latter.
- Where
- India, with a focus on border areas, coastal zones, and strategic locations.
- Why
- To address the growing threat of drones used for espionage, smuggling, and precision strikes, and to modernize India's air defense capabilities.
- Mission Sudarshan Chakra
- A multi-layered shield against aerial threats, including drones and missiles, with a 2035 completion timeline.
- Joint CUAS Grid
- A unified system for detecting and neutralizing drone threats, integrating Army, Air Force, and Navy capabilities.
- Project Shaktibaan
- A strategic initiative to raise 15-20 specialized drone regiments for the Indian Army.
- Swarm Drones
- Drones operating in coordinated groups, capable of simultaneous surveillance and attack missions.
- Loitering Munitions
- Kamikaze drones that can hover and strike high-value targets with precision.
- Long-Range Drones
- Drones capable of deep surveillance and targeted strikes without escalating conflicts.
- Investment
- ₹2,000 crore for initial procurement of loitering munitions and launch systems.
- Training
- Over 100,000 drone operators being trained for the Indian Army.
