{"id":10257,"date":"2025-06-10T08:58:43","date_gmt":"2025-06-10T03:28:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/55nda.com\/blogs\/anil-khosla\/?p=10257"},"modified":"2025-06-10T08:58:43","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T03:28:43","slug":"678-project-kusha-indias-indigenous-sky-shield","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/55nda.com\/blogs\/anil-khosla\/2025\/06\/10\/678-project-kusha-indias-indigenous-sky-shield\/","title":{"rendered":"678: PROJECT KUSHA: INDIA\u2019S INDIGENOUS SKY SHIELD"},"content":{"rendered":"

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My Article published on “The EurasianTimes” website on 10 Jun 25.<\/span><\/p>\n

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On June 8, 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief announced that Project Kusha is equivalent to Russia\u2019s S-500 and surpasses the S-400 in capabilities. This positions it as a \u201cgame-changer\u201d for India\u2019s air defence. It is designed to counter stealth jets, drones, aircraft, and Mach 7 anti-ship ballistic missiles with an 80\u201390% interception success rate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Project Kusha is an ambitious Indigenous long-range air defence system being developed by the DRDO. It is also known as the Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS) or Precision-Guided Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (PGLRSAM). Project Kusha bridges the gap between the 80 km MR-SAM and 400 km S-400, integrating with systems like Akash and Barak-8.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is a critical part of India\u2019s self-reliance initiative, \u201cAtmanirbhar Bharat\u201d. \u00a0The home-grown solution aims to safeguard India\u2019s airspace from aerial threats by strengthening defences against regional threats, particularly from Pakistan and China. The project has gained attention after the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, where air defence systems proved vital against drones and missiles, underscoring the need for indigenous capabilities like Kusha. With a projected deployment timeline of 2028\u20132029, this system is poised to enhance the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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System Specifications<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Interceptor Missiles<\/u>. Project Kusha\u2019s core strength lies in its three-tiered interceptor missile system, designed to neutralise various aerial threats at varying ranges. The M1 Interceptor (150 km) missile would target threats like fighter jets, drones, and cruise missiles at shorter ranges. Its compact 250 mm diameter kill vehicle, equipped with a dual-pulse solid rocket motor and thrust vector control, ensures high manoeuvrability and precision, making it ideal for tactical engagements. The M2 Interceptor (250 km) missile with an extended range can engage advanced targets, including airborne early warning and control systems (AEW&CS) and anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs). It shares the M1\u2019s 250 mm kill vehicle, optimised for agility and accuracy against mid-range threats. The M3 Interceptor (350\u2013400 km), the longest-range missile in the system, is designed to counter larger aircraft and potentially short- and medium-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs and IRBMs). It may feature a larger 450 mm diameter kill vehicle to achieve its extended range and enhanced lethality.<\/span><\/p>\n

Capabilities<\/u>. These interceptors boast an impressive single-shot kill probability of 85%, which rises to 98.5% when two missiles are launched in salvo mode, five seconds apart. The missiles likely employ hit-to-kill (HTK) technology, relying on kinetic energy rather than explosive warheads, similar to advanced systems like the US THAAD or SM-3. Dual-seeker technology, combining radar and infrared guidance, enhances their ability to track and destroy low-radar-signature targets, such as stealth aircraft and cruise missiles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Advanced Radar Systems<\/u>. The effectiveness of Project Kusha hinges on its state-of-the-art radar systems, particularly the Long Range Battle Management Radar (LRBMR), an S-band radar with a detection range exceeding 500 km. This radar can scan 500\u2013600 km into enemy territory, providing early warning against stealth aircraft, drones, precision-guided munitions, and ballistic missiles. The system integrates seamlessly with India\u2019s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), enabling real-time coordination with other air defence systems, including Akash, MRSAM, and the S-400. For naval applications, the Indian Navy is developing a 6×6-meter radar for its Next Generation Destroyer, four times larger than the radar on the Visakhapatnam-class destroyer, to detect sea-skimming missiles and ASBMs with ranges up to 1,000 km.<\/span><\/p>\n

Multi-Layered Defence Architecture<\/u>. Project Kusha is designed as a multi-layered air defence system. It provides strategic and tactical cover for critical infrastructure, military bases, and urban centers. The system\u2019s versatility allows it to counter various threats, from low-flying cruise missiles to high-altitude aircraft and limited ballistic missile threats. By integrating with India\u2019s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program, including the AD-1 and AD-2 interceptors, Project Kusha forms a robust shield against both conventional and strategic threats.<\/span><\/p>\n

Technological Innovations<\/u>. Project Kusha incorporates cutting-edge technologies to ensure operational superiority:-<\/span><\/p>\n