SOURCE: AFI
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is making significant strides in bolstering the nation’s air defense capabilities with Project Kusha, an ambitious initiative to develop an indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. According to details provided to Indian Defence Research Wing (idrw.org), a key highlight of Project Kusha is its ability to intercept high-speed anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) traveling at speeds up to Mach 7, marking a major leap in India’s defense technology.
Named after the legendary son of Lord Rama, Project Kusha, also known as the Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS) or Programme Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (PGLRSAM), is designed to bridge the gap between India’s existing Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM, 80 km) and the Russian S-400 (400 km). The system includes three interceptor missiles—M1, M2, and M3—with ranges of 150 km, 250 km, and 350 km, respectively, and is expected to be deployed by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy by 2028–2029.
A standout feature of Project Kusha is the naval variant of the M2 missile, which is capable of intercepting ASBMs traveling at Mach 7 (approximately 8,645 km/h). This capability is critical in countering the growing global threat of high-speed ballistic missiles designed to target naval vessels. The system’s advanced long-range surveillance and fire control radars, combined with interceptors equipped with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) seekers, infrared (IR), and radio frequency (RF) guidance, ensure precise target acquisition and high maneuverability.
The M1 interceptor, currently in the fabrication stage, is set to undergo testing soon, with prototype development expected to be completed within 12 to 18 months, followed by user trials spanning 12 to 36 months. The M1, based on the Akash-NG airframe, has a range of 150 km and a top speed of Mach 5.5, making it effective against a variety of aerial threats, including stealth fighters, cruise missiles, drones, and precision-guided munitions. The M2 and M3 interceptors, still under development, will extend the system’s reach, with the M3 capable of targeting larger platforms like Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) at 350 km and offering short-to-medium-range ballistic missile defense (BMD) capabilities.
Project Kusha’s development is a collaborative effort, with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) playing a key role as a development and integration partner, focusing on subsystems like radars and control systems. The system’s interoperability with the IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) and the Russian S-400 enhances its operational efficiency, allowing radar data sharing and coordinated interception tactics. With a single-shot kill probability of at least 80% and over 90% in salvo mode, Project Kusha promises to be a formidable addition to India’s multi-layered air defense architecture.
The project, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security in May 2022 with a budget of ?21,700 crore (US$2.6 billion) for five IAF squadrons, draws inspiration from India’s BMD program, incorporating proven missile structures to optimize costs and development timelines. The naval variant’s ability to counter Mach 7 ASBMs positions the Indian Navy to protect its frontline warships from advanced threats, complementing existing systems like the Barak-8 and the Naval Ballistic Missile Defense System.
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