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Sandeep Pratap Singh
Written By Sandeep Pratap Singh
72
4 Mins

India is taking initiatives to rapidly increase its defence capabilities with a strong focus on self-reliance and technological innovation and of its important initiatives include Project Kusha developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is one of the most ambitious and strategic air defence initiatives. 

This project aims to build a fully indigenous, long range surface-to-air missile system like the other top global systems- Russian S-400, which can protect the nation against a wide range of modern aerial threats.

This project is a symbol of India’s growing defence autonomy and global aspirations and just another technological milestone. It also reflects a well-planned, multi-layered approach to protect India’s airspace and is developed in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), backed by the Indian government.


DRDO-BEL Collaboration: Building National Strength 

Project Kusha is one of most important cutting-edge, made-in-India missile defence systems which is meant to protect the country from the most advanced aerial threats.

With its prominent characteristics such as high-tech radars, layered missile coverage, and full integration with Air Force’s command systems, Kusha marks a major leap in India’s Defence capabilities and global defence leadership.


This project supports India’s strategic goal of independence in Defence technology.

Main Goals of Project Kusha

  • Build a fully indigenous and advanced air defence system.

  • Cover long-range threats that current Indian systems cannot handle alone.

  • Reduce reliance on foreign systems.

  • Create a platform that can be exported to other countries.

  • Integrate smoothly with existing Indian Air Force systems like IACCS.

Missile Types and Ranges

Project Kusha will use three types of interceptor missiles to engage threats at various distances:

Missile

Range

Purpose

M1

Up to 150 km

Short to medium-range threats

M2

Up to 250 km

Medium to long-range threats

M3

Up to 350–400 km

Long-range and high-altitude threats

These will allow the system to defend against:

  • Stealth fighter jets

  • Drones

  • Cruise missiles

  • Ballistic missiles

  • Precision-guided weapons

Radar and Tracking Systems

  • Uses long-range surveillance and fire control radars.

  • Can detect and track multiple targets at once, including small or stealthy ones.

  • Can spot threats like cruise missiles and stealth jets from 250 km away.

  • Can engage larger airborne platforms like early warning aircraft at up to 350 km range.

System Integration & Mobility

  • Will connect with the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) for real-time coordination with other defence systems.

  • Transportable and quick to deploy, allowing flexible positioning in various terrains and regions.

  • Modular design allows customization based on different operational needs, which is great for export potential.

Development Status & Timeline

  • Approved: May 2022 (Cabinet Committee on Security)

  • Acceptance of Necessity (AoN): September 2023 for 5 squadrons (~₹21,700 crore)

  • Prototype readiness: Expected in 12–18 months (by mid-2026)

  • User trials: Will run for 12–36 months after prototype (2026–2029)

  • Full deployment goal: By 2028–2029

Progress as of August 2024:

  • DRDO has started production of M1 missiles (150 km range).

  • Orders placed for key hardware: airframes, rocket motors, kill vehicles (warheads), and telemetry systems.

  • First tests are planned for early 2025.

How Project Kusha Compares to Other Systems

  • Vs Akash System (Indian):
    Kusha has much longer range (Akash max = 45 km) and far superior radar and engagement tech.

  • Vs S-400 (Russian):
    Similar range and capability, but:

    • Kusha is fully Indian-made—no foreign restrictions or delays.

    • Easier upgrades and maintenance.

    • Full control over technology and supply chains.

  • Vs Global Systems (US Patriot, Chinese HQ-9):
    Kusha is competitive with the best:

    • Multi-layer defence (short to long range)

    • Can engage stealth and precision-guided threats

    • Offers customization and export potential

Why It’s Important

  • Strengthens India’s air defence with a fully indigenous, long-range system.

  • Fills critical gaps in India’s defence network, especially at medium and long-range levels.

  • Reduces dependence on foreign weapons systems.

  • Boosts India’s standing in the global defence market.

  • Supports Make in India and Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) missions

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