India’s defence self-reliance is evolving—and Project Kusha may be its most pivotal leap yet. Amid rising global tensions and delays in foreign missile systems, India has unveiled a homegrown solution to protect its skies.
Developed by DRDO in partnership with BEL, this long-range missile system is designed to intercept threats from stealth jets to hypersonic missiles. Positioned to rival the S-400 and even the THAAD, Project Kusha is more than a missile—it’s a symbol of India’s missile sovereignty.
But how does it fit into India’s layered defence architecture? And when will it become fully operational?
What is Project Kusha?
Project Kusha, officially known as the Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS), is a multi-layered, mobile missile defence system designed to protect Indian airspace from a wide spectrum of threats—stealth fighter jets, cruise missiles, UAVs, AWACS, and even Mach-7 anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs).
Unlike legacy platforms, Kusha isn’t just a tactical shield—it is India’s strategic aerospace fortress. It fills the operational void between the 80-km range MR-SAM and the 400-km range S-400 Triumf, while introducing advanced features like satellite-linked fire control and laser-based threat suppression.
Interceptor Variants: M1, M2, M3 – A Layered Approach
Project Kusha consists of three missile variants, each designed to counter different threat tiers:
1. M1 Interceptor (150 km): Ideal for tactical interception of aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.
2. M2 Interceptor (250 km): Designed for stealth jets, UAV swarms, and standoff glide bombs.
3. M3 Interceptor (350–400 km): Designed to eliminate high-value airborne targets like AWACS, refuelers, and hypersonic ASBMs.
Each interceptor uses a shared kill vehicle featuring:
- Dual-pulse solid rocket motors
- AESA radar + infrared dual guidance
- Thrust Vector Control (TVC)
- 2,500-fragment warhead for maximum terminal kill chance
This modular design enables cost-effective production and flexible deployment across multiple platforms.
Advanced Technologies Behind Project Kusha
Project Kusha is not just about range. It’s a convergence of next-gen technologies engineered for precision, interoperability, and survivability.
1. AESA Surveillance & Fire Control Radars
Provides full-spectrum situational awareness and engagement support, tracking up to 150 targets with real-time handoff.
2. Laser Dazzlers and Optonic Shields (June 2025 Upgrade)
Neutralises enemy targeting optics and drone surveillance using directed energy technology.
3. Satellite-Aided Fire Control
Ensures beyond-line-of-sight tracking and remote engagement via DRDO satellite and IACCS integration.
4. High Kill Accuracy
Single-shot kill probability: 88%
Salvo launch mode: Over 98%
This puts Kusha on par with Patriot PAC-3, THAAD, and SAMP/T.
Seamless Integration with Indian Defence Ecosystem
Project Kusha is designed to plug into India’s wider defence architecture via:
- IACCS (Indian Air Force Command Grid)
- S-400 radar nets
- Akash & Akash-NG batteries
- DRDO BMD radars
- BharatNet fibre-optic combat backbone
AI-powered fire control and real-time sensor fusion make the system responsive, decentralised, and virtually unjammable.
Project Timeline & Development Milestones
- May 2022: CCS clears the Kusha project
- Sept 2023: ₹21,700 crore AoN for 5 IAF squadrons approved
- Aug 2024: DRDO begins fabrication of M1 missiles
- June 2025: Field deployment of portable launchers at Dhamra Test Range
- Sept 2025: First live test of M1 interceptor
- 2026–2027: M2 and M3 variant trials
- 2028–2030: Full induction into the IAF and the Indian Navy
BEL has committed to delivering the prototype within 12–18 months, with user trials running 12–36 months thereafter.
Naval Variant: Kusha at Sea
India’s maritime domain will also gain significantly from Project Kusha. A navalised variant is under development to complement the Navy’s LR-SAM and defend carrier groups from hypersonic anti-ship missiles.
- Range: 250+ km
- Launch: Vertical Launch System (VLS)
- Role: Shipborne ASBM & aerial shield
Strategic Significance: Why Kusha Matters
1. Reducing Foreign Dependency
Delays in S-400 delivery and rising import costs highlight the need for a homegrown system.
2. Designed for Indian Geography
Kusha’s modular boosters and adaptive radar make it effective across high-altitude zones, deserts, and sea routes.
3. Export Potential
Its lower cost and customisation options make it ideal for export to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
4. Strategic Deterrence
With 40a 0 km range and hypersonic kill capability, Kusha strengthens India’s deterrence posture along both western and eastern fronts.
Global Comparisons: A New Peer Among Giants
While still in its prototype stage, Kusha has already drawn comparisons to:
- S-500 (Russia)
- THAAD (USA)
- Patriot PAC-3 (USA)
- SAMP/T (France–Italy)
Kusha stands out for being:
- 100% indigenous
- AI-integrated
- Terrain-flexible
- Cost-competitive
Challenges on the Horizon
Despite its promise, Project Kusha must overcome:
- Delays in DRDO systems from earlier projects
- Complex user integration across IAF and Navy
- Rigorous target validation tests in diverse conditions
That said, with BEL’s industrial experience and DRDO’s parallel testing model, these risks are being actively mitigated.
Technical Specifications Snapshot
- Booster Diameter: 320 mm (M1), 450 mm (M3)
- Propellant: Indhan-1 composite
- Target Speed Handling: Up to 2,300 m/s
- Interception Altitude: 25 km
- Network Protocols: MIL-STD-1553B compliant
What Experts Are Saying
“Project Kusha aims to make India self-sufficient in layered air defence systems. Its integration with IACCS and flexibility across terrains make it globally competitive.” – Dr. Samir Kamat, DRDO Chairman
“Prototype delivery is on track. Upcoming trials will prove Kusha’s superiority against stealth and high-velocity threats.” — BEL CMD, May 2025 Interview (BharatShakti)
FAQs: Quick Answers for Curious Readers
- When will Project Kusha be deployed?
M1 tests begin in Sept 2025; full induction expected by 2030. - Will it replace the S-400?
No. It will complement and eventually surpass its role in specific sectors. - What about naval defence?
A sea-based version is being prototyped with VLS launch and ASBM interception capabilities. - Is it export-ready?
Yes. Once operational, India aims to export it to trusted defence partners. - What is the total cost?
Phase 1: ₹21,700 crore; Phase 2 proposal: ₹40,000 crore for additional squadrons.
Conclusion: India’s Sky Shield Takes Shape
Project Kusha isn’t just India’s next missile system. It’s a strategic declaration that India is ready to defend its airspace using world-class indigenous technology.
From the Himalayan borderlands to naval corridors in the Indo-Pacific, Kusha will offer India unparalleled control over its skies. And with trials approaching, the countdown to deployment has already begun.
This isn’t just about missiles. This is about missile sovereignty.
And the best part? It’s 100% Made in India.