India is developing an advanced air defence system called Project Kusha in a major direction towards self-reliance and modernization. This system, designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is indigenous and aims to protect the country from modern aerial threats like stealth aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones. Project Kusha represents a bold step in strengthening India’s national security and ambition to rival powerful global systems like Russia’s S-400 and even S-500, and henceforth reducing dependence on foreign defence imports.
This initiative by DRDO is not only about building a strong layered defence network but also about creating cutting-edge missile technology that safeguards India’s skies well into the future.
Pioneering India’s Missile Might: Project Kusha
Project Kusha, a long range, indigenous system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is India’s big step forward in building its own advanced Air Defence System.
Project Kusha is only the first phase of a larger, multi-stage defense program.
Phase-II: Bigger and Better
The next stage will aim for even longer ranges, up to 600 km.
May include better sensors, AI-powered coordination systems, and improved radar (like an upgraded Swordfish radar with a 1,500 km range).
This is important because countries like China have long-range missiles and are sharing them with Pakistan.
Cost & Benefit
Estimated cost: ₹21,700 crore for five IAF squadrons.
Cheaper than buying S-400s from Russia (₹5.25 billion for five units).
Aligns with India’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) policy.
Technical Details
Project Kusha is also known as:
ERADS (Extended Range Air Defence System)
PG LRSAM (Programme Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile)
Its job is to fill the gap between India’s MR-SAM (80 km) and S-400 (400 km) systems.
Missile types:
M1 (150 km) – testing soon.
M2 (250 km) and M3 (350 km) – still in development.
Initial Production:
DRDO ordered 20 airframes, 20 rocket motors, and 50 kill vehicles for testing.
Capabilities:
Can take down large threats like AWACS (airborne radar planes).
Also supports ballistic missile defense at short to medium ranges.
Advanced Design
Uses long-range radars that scan 500–600 km inside enemy territory.
Can detect cruise missiles, stealth jets, drones, and guided weapons early.
M1 and M2 missiles use a 250 mm kill vehicle with high maneuverability.
M3 uses a larger 450 mm kill vehicle with very high accuracy—up to 98.5% kill chance in salvo mode.
Deployment Timeline
Expected to be ready by 2028–2029.
Will be used by the Indian Air Force and Navy.
Reusing Proven Tech
DRDO is using parts and knowledge from the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program.
This combination of air and missile defense helps cut costs and improve performance.
Integration
Project Kusha will be part of the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).
It will work alongside other systems like Akash, Barak-8, and S-400 already deployed in northern India
