New Delhi: Emphasising the importance of indigenous innovation, Air Marshal Dixit urged India’s defence industry to “start thinking in India” and focus on ideation, much like the Make in India initiative, during his address at a defence seminar.
Discussing Operation Sindoor, the Air Marshal highlighted the sophistication of certain drones, noting that even when GPS systems were jammed, some drones were able to navigate close to their targets using AI and visual guidance. “They are improving, so we must stay a step ahead,” he said, while asserting that India’s counter-drone and GPS-jamming systems had largely neutralised the threat, resulting in minimal damage.
He cautioned that successes like Operation Sindoor cannot be relied upon repeatedly, as adversaries also learn and adapt. “Self-reliance and Atmanirbharta give a surprise element. Like all surprises, it can only be used once. Next time, we have to innovate again,” he said.
Air Marshal Dixit also spoke about India’s envisioned air defence system, Sudarshan Chakra, describing it as “the mother of all air defence systems” that will integrate multiple weapon systems. Currently in the ideation phase, the system aims to counter drones, UAVs, hypersonic threats, and other aerial challenges, with counter-drone measures forming the lowest layer of the system.
“While details cannot be shared, Mission Sudarshan Chakra will be all-encompassing,” he said, noting that the project, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address, will involve extensive integration of sensors, missiles, surveillance apparatus, and artificial intelligence tools. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan had earlier described the system as a “shield and sword,” akin to Israel’s Iron Dome all-weather missile defence system.
Air Marshal Dixit also underlined the economic aspect of warfare and the commercialisation of drones. “One has to take the economic view as well. I cannot go bankrupt while winning a war,” he said, stressing that effective counter-drone systems will require a combination of both “soft kill and hard kill” measures.
