Why in the News?
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is set to initiate testing of India’s indigenous long-range air defense system, Project Kusha. According to sources, the prototype is expected to be ready within 12 to 18 months, after which it will undergo user evaluation for a period ranging from one to three years. Spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the project seeks to create a homegrown alternative to advanced systems such as Russia’s S-400.
This initiative is seen as a bold move to strengthen India’s air defence grid, especially in light of rising regional tensions and growing aerial threats, including drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missile attacks.
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Difference Between S-400, Akash and Project Kusha-
| Feature | S-400 (Russia) | Akash (India) | Project Kusha (India) |
| Range | Up to 400 km | Around 25–30 km | Estimated 150–350 km (multi-layered) |
| Target Type | Aircraft, missiles, drones | Aircraft, helicopters | Missiles, aircraft, drones, UAVs |
| Interceptor Speed | Mach 14+ | Mach 2.5 | Not officially disclosed, but advanced |
| Mobility | High | Medium | High |
| Radar System | Phased-array radar | Rajendra Radar | Indigenous advanced AESA radar |
| Launch System | Vertical, 360° engagement | Vertical | Vertical launch with salvo capability |
| Technology Origin | Russia | India | India |
| Cost | Very high (imported) | Economical (Indigenous) | Economical compared to S-400 |
While the S-400 is a state-of-the-art system acquired from Russia, Akash serves as India’s short-to-medium-range defence. Project Kusha is designed to fill the gap between these two: a long-range, indigenous solution tailored to India’s defence needs.
What Was the Need for Project Kusha?
Several strategic and operational needs led to the conceptualisation of Project Kusha:
- Strategic Autonomy: Dependence on foreign systems like S-400 limits India’s flexibility, especially during geopolitical tensions. An indigenous system ensures control over upgrades, maintenance and deployment.
- Multi-Layered Defence Requirement: India faces complex aerial threats from two fronts—Pakistan and China. A multi-layered air defence shield (low, medium and high altitudes) is essential. Akash handles the lower tier, while Project Kusha will tackle medium-to-long-range threats.
- Protection of Critical Assets: With increasing threats to strategic facilities—airbases, nuclear power plants, command centres—India needs a robust, fast-reacting air defence system capable of neutralising multiple threats simultaneously.
- Budget Efficiency: Project Kusha offers a cost-effective solution compared to foreign imports like the S-400. Additionally, the money invested stays within the country, boosting the defence sector and creating jobs.
- Make in India & Atmanirbhar Bharat: The project aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing and innovation.
What is Salvo Launch Technology?
Salvo launch technology refers to the capability of launching multiple interceptors simultaneously or in quick succession towards multiple incoming threats. It enhances the saturation handling capacity of an air defence system.
Imagine a scenario where multiple enemy missiles or aircraft attack at once. A system with salvo capability can launch several interceptor missiles in rapid sequence to neutralise all threats effectively.
Key features of salvo launch:
- High rate of fire from vertical launchers
- Simultaneous engagement of multiple targets
- Improved kill probability
- Reduces reaction time, critical in high-speed warfare
Project Kusha is reported to incorporate this technology, making it highly effective in high-intensity conflict zones.
History of the Project-
Project Kusha didn’t emerge overnight. It is the culmination of years of R&D by DRDO in the field of missile and air defence technology.
- Early 2010s: DRDO began conceptual work on a long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) system. Initial studies included collaborative programmes like the Barak-8 with Israel.
- Mid-2010s: With rising border threats and airspace incursions, India felt the urgency to develop a fully indigenous, scalable air defence grid. DRDO started the groundwork on what would later be formalised as Project Kusha.
- 2022–2023: Prototype development, radar integration, and advanced testing of critical systems such as the AESA radar, missile interceptors, and fire control systems.
- 2024: The project received official sanction and budget approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security. DRDO and its private and public-sector partners have now started preparing for full-scale development and deployment.
The name “Kusha” is symbolically drawn from Hindu mythology—Prince Kusha was the son of Lord Rama, representing courage and defence of dharma. Naming the project this way aligns with India’s broader push for rooted, culturally resonant technological programmes.
All Other Necessary Details-
- System Components:
- Multi-function Surveillance and Tracking Radars: Likely to be Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA)-based, offering long-range target detection and guidance.
- Interceptors: Dual-pulse solid rocket motor-based missiles, potentially with hit-to-kill or proximity-fuse kill options.
- Command and Control Unit (C2): A highly automated system using artificial intelligence and sensor fusion to reduce human error and improve reaction times.
- Launch Platforms: Mobile truck-mounted vertical launchers, allowing rapid relocation and deployment.
- Coverage:
Project Kusha is expected to cover a radius of at least 150–350 km, offering long-range air defence. It will work in conjunction with India’s existing systems like Akash and the imported S-400 to create a layered defence network. - Integration with IAF and Army Systems:
It will be interoperable with both Indian Air Force and Indian Army command systems. This cross-platform integration ensures seamless communication and coordinated response during attacks. - Private Sector Involvement:
In line with the Make in India drive, major private players like Bharat Forge, L&T and Tata Advanced Systems are expected to participate in subsystem manufacturing, ensuring that the Indian defence ecosystem matures across multiple levels.
Conclusion-
Project Kusha marks a significant leap forward in India’s defence capabilities, not just technologically but also symbolically. It showcases India’s ability to conceptualise, develop, and soon deploy a world-class air defence system tailored to its unique geopolitical threats.
By bridging the gap between the short-range Akash and the high-cost S-400, Kusha will form a vital component of India’s three-tier missile defence shield. It represents a strong push towards indigenisation, innovation, and independence in a domain that is critical for national security in the 21st century.
With global aerial warfare evolving rapidly and threats becoming more sophisticated, Project Kusha is not just a defence project—it is a statement of intent.