The Ukrainian think tank Defense Express has analyzed India’s ambitious Mission Sudarshan Chakra, an indigenous air and missile defense initiative expected to be operational by 2035, likening it to Israel’s Iron Dome but highlighting significant differences in design and objectives due to India’s unique security challenges against Pakistan and China. Sudarshan Chakra aims to create a multi-layered defense architecture integrating advanced technologies like AI and directed-energy weapons, while emphasizing indigenous innovation and a dual role in both defense and counter-offense. The analysis underscores the necessity for a comprehensive system tailored to India’s vast threat landscape, marking a distinct strategic approach to air defense that diverges from the Israeli model.