India and Israel are expected to deepen defence cooperation during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, with strong focus on the possible procurement of Israel’s Iron Dome. The move could significantly strengthen India’s ambitious Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a proposed multi-layered air defence shield for the country.
Mission Sudarshan Chakra aims to create an integrated system capable of protecting India’s key military and civilian infrastructure from modern aerial threats. Officials believe Israeli technology could play an important role in building the lower and middle layers of this shield.
Announced by PM Modi during his Independence Day speech, Mission Sudarshan Chakra is planned as a three-tier air defence network to be completed by 2035. The name is inspired by Lord Krishna’s divine weapon.
The first layer will focus on low-altitude threats such as drones, rockets and mortar shells. This is where systems similar to Iron Dome and possibly Iron Beam could be used, supported by advanced radar and AI-based tracking.
The second layer will target cruise missiles and fighter aircraft. India is expected to rely on upgraded versions of the Barak-8 air defence system with real-time data sharing and cyber protection.
The third and highest layer will defend against long-range ballistic missiles, potentially using technology comparable to Israel’s Arrow missile defense system.
The Iron Dome is considered one of the world’s most effective short-range air defence systems, with a reported success rate of around 90 percent. It is designed to intercept rockets, mortars, short-range missiles and drones, while ignoring projectiles that are not heading toward populated areas.
If inducted, the system could help India counter threats such as cross-border drones and swarm attacks. Each Iron Dome launcher typically carries about 20 Tamir interceptor missiles and works with advanced radar for real-time threat analysis.
PM Modi’s Israel visit is therefore seen as strategically important. Apart from Iron Dome, both sides may also discuss cooperation on Heron Mk-2 drones and other missile defence technologies, signalling a deeper and more technology-driven security partnership between New Delhi and Tel Aviv.
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