Project Kusha: Ambitious Defence Initiative of India

As per reports, the Indian Defence Acquisition Council has approved the procurement of the Indian Long Range Surface Air Missile (LRSAM) system under Project Kusha. The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) of India is spearheading the development of this indigenous long-range air defense system, known as 'Project Kusha', an ambitious defence endeavor undertaken by India.

Project Kusha: India's Own Air Defence System

Project Kusha:

• The primary objective of this project is to develop a formidable long-range air defence system by the year 2028-29 with an estimated budget of Rs 21,700 crore.

• Amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the Iron Dome air defense system has garnered considerable attention due to its cutting-edge defense capabilities and its ability to intercept rockets from a considerable distance. Now, India is set to embark on a similar endeavor to develop its own air defense system, which is expected to be operational by 2028-29.

• This advanced system will possess the capability to detect and neutralize a wide range of enemy projectiles and armored threats, including cruise missiles, stealth fighter jets, and drones, even from significant distances.

• This ambitious project is not only anticipated to outperform Israel's Iron Dome system but also rival the effectiveness of Russia's S-400 system and the United States' 'Patriot' system. Its successful implementation will mark a significant milestone in India's pursuit of self-reliance, encapsulated by the concept of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

• The long-range surface-to-air defence system (LR-SAM) of 'Project Kusha' incorporates advanced long-range surveillance and fire control radars. These radars empower the Indian Air Force (IAF) to effectively monitor airspace and fend off enemy threats. - Interceptor missiles with ranges of 150 km, 200 km, and 350 km provide the ability to detect and strike hostile targets at different distances.

• In addition to its offensive capabilities, 'Project Kusha' will also provide strategic and tactical cover. - The system reportedly boasts a single-shot kill chance of at least 80%, which increases to over 90% when two missiles are fired consecutively.

• The firing units of 'Project Kusha' can seamlessly integrate with the IAF's air command and control system, enabling coordination with a wide range of military radars.

Recent Development:

• The Indian Air Force has bolstered its defence capabilities by deploying three squadrons of the S-400 Triumf air defence missile system along the borders with China and Pakistan.

• India had signed a contract with Russia for five S-400 missile squadrons in 2018-19, with three already in place and the remaining two delayed due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. It has named them Sudarshan after Lord Krishna's Sudarshan chakra weapon.

• The S-400 Triumf is a highly advanced mobile surface-to-air (SAM) missile system developed by Russia, capable of intercepting and destroying various aerial targets, including aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.

• With a range of up to 400 km and an altitude of up to 30 km, it can engage up to 36 targets simultaneously using four different types of missiles, making it the most dangerous operationally deployed modern long-range SAM in the world, surpassing the US-developed Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.

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