New Delhi: Project Kusha has reached another important milestone as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to procure raw materials for manufacturing M3 interceptor missile test canisters. The latest development shows that India’s indigenous long-range air defence programme is moving from the design stage to the fabrication and testing phase.
The new procurement is part of DRDO’s efforts to prepare the M3 interceptor for future developmental flight trials and strengthen India’s multi-layered air defence capability.
Details of Project Kusha M3 Interceptor
DRDO has invited bids for specialised raw materials required to manufacture test canisters for the M3 interceptor missile. These canisters are not ordinary containers. They safely store, transport and launch missiles while protecting sensitive guidance and propulsion systems from harsh environmental conditions.
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Why the Test Canisters Are Important in Project Kusha M3 Interceptor
Before the M3 interceptor enters military service, DRDO must conduct several developmental and safety tests. The test canisters will help engineers verify:
- Structural strength under extreme conditions
- Gas management during missile ejection
- Heat resistance
- Safe launch from the Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL)
- Long-term storage performance
The materials must meet strict military standards because the canister has to survive years of storage and the intense forces generated during missile launch.
Project Kusha Is Moving Towards Fabrication
The latest RFP indicates that Project Kusha is entering the fabrication phase. In recent months, DRDO has also issued multiple tenders related to weapon system integration, warhead integration and testing assemblies. Together, these activities show that the programme is steadily progressing toward full developmental trials.
What Is Project Kusha
Project Kusha is DRDO’s indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) programme designed to strengthen India’s air defence network. The system will include three interceptor missiles:
- M1: Around 150 km range
- M2: Around 250 km range
- M3: Around 350–400 km range
The three-layer architecture is designed to intercept fighter aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and selected ballistic missile threats at different ranges.
M3 Will Be the Longest-Range Interceptor
The M3 interceptor will become the most capable missile in the Project Kusha family. With an expected engagement range of up to 350–400 km, it is intended to destroy high-value aerial targets such as AWACS aircraft, aerial refuellers and other long-range threats before they reach Indian airspace.
Project Kusha M3 Interceptor: Strong Push for Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
The procurement also highlights DRDO’s growing collaboration with India’s defence industry. Instead of manufacturing every component internally, DRDO is increasingly working with public and private defence companies to build a stronger domestic supply chain for future large-scale production.
Expected Timeline
According to current programme plans, Project Kusha is expected to be inducted in phases between 2028 and 2030, after completing developmental testing and validation. Once operational, it is expected to work alongside India’s existing air defence assets to provide an additional indigenous long-range protective shield.
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