New Delhi: Project Kusha has received a significant boost with the participation of Solar Industries, one of India’s leading defence manufacturing companies.
The company is expected to contribute critical technologies such as solid rocket motors and advanced propellants for the indigenous long-range air defence programme being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The development strengthens India’s push toward self-reliance in strategic defence systems and reduces dependence on foreign air defence platforms.
What is Project Kusha?
Project Kusha, officially known as the Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS), is India’s ambitious indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile programme.
Key objectives:
- Build a homegrown alternative to imported long-range air defence systems.
- Protect India against fighter aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missile threats.
- Strengthen India’s multi-layered air defence architecture.
- Ensure long-term self-reliance in missile technology and maintenance.
The programme is being led by DRDO with support from major public and private sector defence companies.
What is the Importance of Solar Industries in Project Kusha
Solar Industries has established itself as a major supplier of explosives, propulsion systems, and defence technologies in India.
Under Project Kusha, the company is expected to support:
- Solid rocket motor development
- Missile propulsion systems
- Advanced propellant manufacturing
- Large-scale production support
These components are among the most critical parts of any missile system because they directly affect range, speed, reliability, and interception capability.
Strategic Significance
The involvement of private industry offers several advantages:
- Faster production timelines
- Greater manufacturing capacity
- Reduced dependence on imports
- Stronger defence industrial ecosystem
- Better technology absorption and innovation
This aligns with India’s broader “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” defence manufacturing vision.
What are the Features of Project Kusha
According to available programme details, Project Kusha will feature a three-layer interceptor architecture.
M1 Interceptor
- Range: Up to 150 km
- Targets:
- Fighter aircraft
- Cruise missiles
- UAVs and drones
M2 Interceptor
- Range: Around 250 km
- Targets:
- Advanced aircraft
- Long-range airborne threats
M3 Interceptor
- Range: 350–400 km
- Targets:
- AWACS aircraft
- Strategic airborne assets
- Long-range aerial threats
The three missiles will reportedly share a common kill vehicle while using different booster configurations to achieve varying ranges.
Comparison with the S-400
Project Kusha is frequently compared with Russia’s S-400 system because of its long-range interception capability.
| Feature | Project Kusha | S-400 |
| Origin | India | Russia |
| Maximum Range | Up to 400 km | Up to 400 km |
| Indigenous Control | Full | Limited |
| Upgrade Flexibility | High | Dependent on supplier |
| Lifecycle Support | Domestic | Foreign support required |
While Project Kusha is not a direct copy of the S-400, it is designed to provide comparable strategic air defence coverage using indigenous technologies.
Role in India’s Air Defence Network
Project Kusha is expected to operate alongside:
- Akash missile system
- MR-SAM
- Barak-8
- S-400 systems
- Ballistic Missile Defence network
The system is designed to integrate with the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), allowing real-time tracking, threat prioritisation, and coordinated engagements.
Read also: Indian Army Joins DRDO’s Project Kusha Before Interceptor Missile Testing Phase
