A new avatar for future warfare
Dr Sudershan Kumar
Since the dawn of human civilization, warfare has been shaped by a combination of strategy, courage, and technological innovation. Every era produces its own defining weapons tools that the way conflicts are fought and remembered.
In ancient Indian mythology, the Sudershan Chakra occupies a place of unmatched reverence as the divine “Discus” weapon of Lord Vishnu. It is described as a spinning disc of immense destructive power, capable of moving with unimaginable speed, guided not by a mechanical system but also with divine will and consciousness. Far from being just a mythological artiefact, the Sudershan Chakra has served as a timeless metaphor for its precision, speed, and inevitability in warfare. In modern times, when many nations strive for supremacy, through hypersonic weapons (the weapon, which move 5 to 10 times the speed of sound), drones, directed energy weapons (a type of electro magnetic technology, which uses its energy to strike the target), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) based warfare platforms, the concept of Sudershan Chakra finds renewed relevance. Even the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his speech from Red Fort on 15th August made a special mention of the Sudershan Chakra concept for future warfare. This concept can be attributed in two ways. First, evolve strategy to create foolproof multi-layered defence by deploying variety of system /platforms. Second, to strategize the optimum use of the most advanced weaponry against the enemy to the extent that it comes under the knees. In modern era of technology, those nations, who use weapons like Sudershan Chakra, with strategy, precision and accuracy, will win the future wars. Therefore, it is most important and essential for all of us to know about the ancient weapons like Sudershan Chakra, its origin, its historical significance; critical features, its relevance in contemporary warfare, global military program and future potential. If one scrolls the Vedic texts, particularly, Rig Veda and Yajur Veda one finds the mention of Sudershan Chakra, it symbolized as rotating cosmic wheel representing over righteousness (Dharma) and divine justice. In Hindu Mythology, it is most prominently associated with Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of Universe. Its name is derived from “Su” meaning auspicious “darshan” vision that signifies its divine nature. This weapon consists of two spinning discs with sharp spikes rotating in opposite direction. According to the Mahabharta, the Sudershan Chakra was designed by the divine architect Vishwakarma from excess of Sun Dust. In fact as per theory, Vishwakarma created three different divine artifacts from the Sun Dust gathered around the Sun. The first was Pushpaka Vimana (a celestial flying chariot). The second was Lord Shiva’s Trident (symbolizing his cosmic power). The third, the most significant creation was the Sudershan Chakra, a circular disc of super potency. Its design signifies precision and power and is capable of swiftly cutting through any obstacle or enemy. Therefore, the Sudershan Chakra was not only a destructive instrument but also a protector of cosmic order something unmatched in any other ancient civilization’s armory.
The Sudershan Chakra’s design itself hints at a deep under standing of science and energy. The Sudershan Chakra transcends boundaries with myth and science. The ancient science describes Chakra as divine, weightless and thought controlled weapon. It is often depicted as a luminous fiery or a radiant disc, suggesting it was a non metallic. It is more compressible to field of rotating plasma (an electrically charged gas of ionized atoms and free electron, a fourth state of matter). Moreover modern Physics interpret it through relatively quantum mechanics and directed energy technology. Though impossible under current scientific laws, it symbolizes human quest for limitless energy speed and precision, a vision that continues to impose both philosophy and scientific imagination. Therefore, its operational principles can be described in three components:
i) Rotating energy; the Chakra harnesses centrifugal force for unparalleled cutting power, a kin to the kinetic energy weapon.
ii) Precision Guidance; unlike arrows and swords, the Sudershan Chakra was said to obey the mental command of its wielder, aiming into the target irrespective of barriers. This resembled Artificial Intelligence(AI) enabled precision guided munitions.
iii) Infinite Return; as described in Vedic literature, the Sudershan Chakra use to return back to its Master( wielder) after hitting or decimating its target, there by symbolizing an inexhaustible an ancient vision of reusable weapon. Besides the several critical features of ancient Sudershan Chakra that make it unique are:
a) Unmatched speed: Sudershan Chakra is said to travel at the speed of thought. It represents the modern concept of hypersonic velocity.
b) Lethal Precision: In Vedic literature, it is mentioned that Sudershan Chakra never missed a target, its efficiency in hitting the targets is 100% so the Chakra is comparable to AI and GPS guided munitions of modern era.
c) Psychological Superiority: Its mere invocation, induced fear and surrender much like nuclear deterrence to do.d)
Indestructibility: As mentioned in texts of Rig Veda and Yajur Veda, Sudershan Chakra could not be countered or destroyed, unlike the physical weapons that degrade over times.
e) Versatility: Sudershan Chakra was highly versatile with yogic power. Its size can be increased or decreased as per requirement. So the wielder of Chakra can use it against single enemy, or entire armies. This is similar to modern multi role platforms. Beyond battlefield, it embodied cosmic justice and also enhancing wielder’s moral authority. In essence, the Sudershan Chakra was not only a weapon but a complete war system combining lethality, deterrence and spirituality. With this in mind, nations around the globe, are investing in defence programs to gain superiority over others. As per information available in open literature and print media the major Defence Program initiated by various countries including USA, Russia, China, India, Israel and other European Nations are described as:1) United State of America (USA) is developing the capability of Precision Global Strike(PRS) with an aim to deliver precision conventional strike anywhere in the world within a hour, echoing Sudershan Chakra’s swift and decisive power. Besides, Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) Laser Microwave systems are being tested to neutralize drones, missiles reflecting Chakra ‘s sharp energy based effects. X-51 wave rider hypersonic project is focused on hypersonic speed weapons capable of overwhelming defence systems.
ii) Russia is also developing Avangard Hypersonic glide vehicle, which travel at over speed 20 Mach or higher (i.e 20 times the speed of sound), evading missile defence.
Kinzahal Hypersonic Missile symbolizes rapid precise and fear inducing deterrent power.
iii) China’s DF-17 Hypersonic missile is designed for high precision strike. In addition to this, the China is advancing heavily in autonomous unmanned systems paralleling Sudershan Chakra’s self guiding nature.
iv) European and NATO countries are investing heavily for developing AI enabled autonomous systems, missile defence and Cyber deterrence.
v) Keeping in mind the three guiding principles of Sudershan Chakra i.e speed, accuracy, and precision, India is also working in that direction. Recent demonstrations of state-of-art Indigenous technologies during operation Sindoor on 7th May 2025 is the glaring example of in house technologies developed and manufactured by India under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Besides the countries like Japan and Israel have also initiated program for development of state of art technologies both for defensive and offensive purpose.
The author is of the opinion that Sudershan Chakra though rooted in mythology, continues to inspire modern military innovation. Its attributes of speed, precision, autonomy and deterrence are central to contemporary warfare. Even for preserving strategic autonomy, it is absolutely essential for nations around the globe to develop their own critical and advance technologies rather than depending on other nations, mercy. Hence, the program initiated by global powers in hypersonic, AI driven autonomy, and space warfare are, in essence technological manifestation of this ancient symbol. Ultimately the Chakra serves as reminder that while nations pursue advanced weaponry, the guiding principle must be responsible use – protecting peace – ensuring justice and maintaining global stability. The wheel that spin in mythical sky thousands year ago continue to spin today, guiding the destiny of war and future of humanity.
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