Project Kusha: India’s Air Defence System, Kusha Vs S 400

India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy in air defence has entered a transformative phase with Project Kusha, a cutting-edge long-range air defence initiative led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Designed as a multi-tier surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, Project Kusha aims to protect Indian airspace from emerging and sophisticated aerial threats such as stealth aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons, and ballistic threats.

With a projected cost of ₹21,700 crore and expected induction between 2028 and 2030, Project Kusha is set to become a cornerstone of India’s layered air defence architecture, reducing dependence on imported systems while boosting indigenous capability.

What is Project Kusha?

Project Kusha, also referred to as the Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS) or Precision-guided Long-Range Surface Air Missile is a long-range SAM programme developed to complement and eventually extend beyond India’s current air defence systems.

The system is designed to:a

• Detect, track and neutralise a wide spectrum of aerial threats from fighter jets and drones to cruise missiles.
• Deploy three variants of interceptor missiles (M1, M2, M3) with increasing ranges.
• Integrate with India’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) for network-centric air defence.

Why Project Kusha is a Game-Changer in India’s Air Defence Strategy?

Project Kusha marks a transformational shift in India’s air defence capability by introducing an indigenous long-range interception system comparable to global standards. It strengthens strategic autonomy while enhancing India’s ability to counter next-generation aerial threats.

• Strategic Autonomy & Self-Reliance: Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Project Kusha reduces India’s dependence on foreign systems and aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat defence vision.
• Multi-Tier Long-Range Protection: With interceptor variants ranging from 150 km to 400 km, it creates a layered defensive shield capable of engaging threats at multiple distances and altitudes.
• Counter to Advanced & Hypersonic Threats: The system is designed to detect and neutralise stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, UAV swarms, and potential hypersonic weapons, enhancing India’s deterrence capability.
• Seamless Integration with National Defence Grid: Project Kusha will integrate with India’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), enabling real-time network-centric warfare and coordinated air defence operations.

Also Read: Top 10 Air Defence Systems in the World

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Interceptor Variants Under Project Kusha

Project Kusha is built on a three-layer interceptor architecture designed to neutralise threats at varying ranges, altitudes, and speeds.

Project Kusha vs S-400

Project Kusha represents India’s push toward indigenous long-range air defence capability, while the S-400 is a proven Russian system currently deployed by India. While both systems offer extended interception ranges, Project Kusha focuses on strategic autonomy and future scalability within India’s integrated defence grid.