At the DRDO Industry Synergy Meet 2025 held on October 29-30 in Bengaluru, Dr. BK Das, Director General of DRDO’s Electronics and Communication Systems Cluster, underscored the vital role of startups in accelerating the development of India’s multi-layered Sudarshan Chakra air defence system. This ambitious initiative aims to establish a fully indigenous, integrated air defence shield by 2035, incorporating satellites, advanced radars, and directed energy weapons to neutralize diverse aerial threats including aircraft, drones, and missiles. The meet also saw the transfer of 12 technology licensing agreements to industry partners, fostering greater collaboration under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The involvement of startups and private industry is seen as critical to scaling up production, indigenous seeker technology, and future fighter aircraft engines, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for rapid self-reliance in defence capabilities and strengthening India’s strategic air defence posture.