India has achieved a major achievement in strengthening its air defense capability. Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has successfully completed the first development trials of the indigenous long-range air defense system Project Kusha. This step is being considered important towards making India self-reliant in the defense sector.
Along with DRDO, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is also playing a major role in this project. In the recent tests, important systems like ground validation and dual-pulse rocket motor were successfully tested. With this, the project is now moving towards the next phase “Integrated Flight Test”, which is expected to happen this year itself.
Project Kusha, officially called Extended Range Air Defense System (ERADS), is India's indigenous long-range air defense system. It is being developed on par with Russia's advanced systems S-400 and S-500. The aim of this project, costing about ₹ 21,700 crore, is to provide strong security cover to important cities and military bases of the country.
The biggest feature of Project Kusha is its multi-layer defense capability. It will include three types of interceptor missiles.
1- M1 missile: Range up to 150 km, to intercept fighter jets and precision weapons
2- M2 missile: Range up to 250 km, high accuracy with AESA technology
3- M3 missile: 350400 km+ range, capable of hitting large and high-value targets such as AWACS and ballistic missiles
Together, these three layers will create a strong defense net, which will prevent enemy air attacks at many levels.
This system will be able to identify and destroy threats like stealth fighters, drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. With its help, the Indian Air Force will be able to limit the enemy's air activities to a great extent.
The Indian Air Force has already approved the requirement of several squadrons for this project, which shows its confidence in the system.
Project Kusha is an important part of India's Mission Sudarshan Chakra, which aims to create a strong air and missile defense network across the country by 2035. This system will work together with Akash-NG and Ballistic Missile Defense System.
Project Kusha can prove to be a game-changer in India's defense sector. This will not only give new strength to the country's security, but is also a big step towards making India self-reliant in the field of advanced air defense technology.
