India is developing its own advanced air defence system under Project Kusha, led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The project aims to create powerful long-range missiles that can protect the country from modern threats like stealth aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
The most advanced of these, the M3 missile, is expected to match and even surpass the Russian S-400’s 40N6E missile, giving India a stronger and more self-reliant defence system.
How Project Kusha Bridges the Gap Between MR-SAM and S-400
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is taking big steps toward strengthening the country’s air defense through Project Kusha, an ambitious plan to build an indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.
One of the most promising missiles under this project is the M3 interceptor, which is expected to outperform the Russian S-400’s 40N6E missile, especially in tackling tactical ballistic missiles (TBMs).
Key Features of the M3 Missile
Range: 350–400 km
Maximum altitude: ~200 km (higher than the 40N6E’s 180 km)
High maneuverability for intercepting unpredictable TBMs
Faster average speed compared to the S-400’s missile
These features make the M3 a game-changer, placing India among the global leaders in advanced missile technology.
What is Project Kusha (ERADS)?
Project Kusha, officially known as the Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS), is being developed as a multi-layered and mobile defense shield.
It is designed to counter a wide variety of aerial threats, like
Stealth aircraft
Cruise missiles
Drones
Ballistic missiles
The system includes three interceptor variants:
M1: 150 km range
M2: 250 km range
M3: 350–400 km range
Together, these will fill the gap between India’s existing MR-SAM systems and the Russian S-400 Triumf.
How the M3 Compares to the S-400’s 40N6E
The Russian 40N6E missile is widely respected for its long reach (400 km) and ability to strike targets at high altitudes (up to 180 km).
It can destroy airborne warning aircraft (AWACS) and intercept ballistic missiles in space-like conditions.
But the Indian M3 interceptor aims to go a step further:
It can reach 200 km altitude, giving it a wider interception zone.
It is more agile, making it better suited to intercept TBMs that follow unpredictable paths.
It is faster, allowing it to respond quickly to high-speed threats.
Unlike the 40N6E, which is mainly designed for exo-atmospheric interception, the M3 is built for both endo- and exo-atmospheric engagements, making it more versatile.
Advanced Technology Inside the M3
The M3 shares a common kill vehicle design with its shorter-range counterparts (M1 and M2) but uses a larger booster to achieve extended range.
Its guidance systems include:
Infrared (IR) sensors
Radio frequency (RF) guidance
This combination ensures high accuracy even against maneuvering or stealthy targets.
The missile will work with long-range radars, which are capable of tracking threats up to 600 km away, and be integrated with the Indian Air Force’s IACCS (Integrated Air Command and Control System); it can also coordinate smoothly with other systems like S-400, Barak-8, and Akash missiles, creating a layered defence network.
Reportedly, the M3 has a kill probability of 80% with a single shot, which rises to over 90% in salvo mode (multiple missiles fired together).
Strategic Importance
The development of the M3 under Project Kusha perfectly aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision.
With the S-400 deliveries delayed due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Project Kusha provides India a homegrown alternative that reduces reliance on foreign systems.
Most importantly, the M3 is being designed to handle advanced regional threats, including China’s growing missile arsenal and Pakistan’s ballistic missile programs.
Its ability to intercept TBMs, IRBMs, and potentially even hypersonic weapons makes it one of India’s most critical defence projects.
