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India’s Project Kusha: Developing an Indigenous Air Defense Shield to Rival the S-400

India's Project Kusha: Developing an Indigenous Air Defense Shield to Rival the S-400


India’s quest for greater self-reliance in defense technology is taking a significant leap forward with Project Kusha, an ambitious initiative by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). 

This program aims to develop an indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system designed to rival, and potentially surpass, the capabilities of advanced global systems like Russia’s formidable S-400 Triumf.

Project Kusha is envisioned as a multi-tiered air defense system, incorporating a series of interceptor missiles to address threats at various ranges. The system includes:

  • M1 Interceptor: Designed for threats up to 150 km.
  • M2 Interceptor: Capable of engaging targets within a 250 km range.
  • M3 Interceptor: This is the long-range component, with an advertised reach of 350-400 km. It is specifically being developed to match or exceed the capabilities of the S-400’s 40N6E missile, which also boasts a 400 km range.

The M3 interceptor, still under development, is intended to target larger aerial platforms like Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) at extended distances and provide a crucial short-to-medium-range ballistic missile defense (BMD) capability. 

The system’s advanced long-range surveillance and fire control radars are designed to detect and track multiple targets simultaneously, including stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones, even at ranges of 500-600 km into enemy territory.

This indigenous development is a cornerstone of India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative in the defense sector. 

It aims to reduce India’s reliance on foreign defense imports and ensure greater strategic autonomy. 

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is a key development partner, collaborating with DRDO on various subsystems, including radars and control systems.

Project Kusha is expected to be integrated with the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), allowing for seamless coordination with existing air defense assets like the Akash, Barak-8, and the S-400 systems already deployed. 

The project, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security in May 2022, is reportedly progressing, with prototypes expected in the coming months and deployment targeted for 2028-2029.

By developing its own long-range air defense solution, India is not only enhancing its national security but also solidifying its position as a significant player in advanced military technology, capable of defending its airspace against a wide spectrum of modern aerial threats.

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