New Delhi: Project Kusha is India’s next-generation indigenous long-range air defence system being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The project aims to reduce India’s dependence on imported air defence systems such as the Russian S-400 while strengthening the country’s self-reliance in defence technology. Recent successful flight tests have marked a major milestone in the development of the system.
What is Project Kusha
Project Kusha is a multi-layered long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) system designed to protect India from a wide range of aerial threats. According to DRDO and the Ministry of Defence, the system can engage fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, high-speed aerial threats and large enemy aircraft across different ranges.
Read also: Project Kusha Takes a Big Leap: DRDO Prepares Longer-Range M2 and M3 Interceptor Tests
Three Interceptor Missiles
DRDO expert Sudhir K. Mishra said Project Kusha will use three different interceptor missiles to create a layered defence shield.
- M1: Range up to 150 km for fighter jets and cruise missiles.
- M2: Extended range of 250 km for stealth aircraft and high-speed threats.
- M3: Long-range interceptor with a reach of 350–400 km for high-value targets such as AWACS aircraft and aerial refuellers.
How This Project Will Help India
India currently operates the Russian-made S-400 air defence system for long-range protection. Once Project Kusha is fully developed, it will first work alongside the S-400 and later reduce India’s reliance on imported air defence systems. This will improve defence self-reliance, reduce foreign supply risks and allow future upgrades to be carried out within India.
Advanced Indigenous Technology
Project Kusha will be integrated with the Indian Air Force’s command and control network. The system will use advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars and dual RF/IR seekers for better target detection and interception. The indigenous design also allows easier software and hardware upgrades without depending on foreign suppliers.
Project Kusha: Development Partners
The project is being led by DRDO with support from Indian defence companies.
- Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is one of the production partners.
- Solar Industries is also involved in production.
- Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is developing different radar and command-and-control systems for the project.
Current Status
On 23 July 2026, DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile from APJ Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha. The Ministry of Defence described the test as a major milestone that demonstrates India’s growing capability to develop indigenous long-range air defence systems.
Why Project Kusha Matters
Project Kusha is expected to become one of the most important parts of India’s future air defence network. By building a homegrown long-range missile shield, India aims to strengthen national security, reduce import dependence, support the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative and create a more flexible and upgradeable defence system for the future.
Read also: Indian Air Defence Giant: Why Project Kusha Is Making Global Headlines
