India to Begin Installation of Portable Launchers and Jet Deflectors for Project Kusha’s M1-Interceptor Test
In a significant step towards strengthening India’s indigenous air defence capabilities, preparations are set to begin for the installation of portable launchers and jet deflector systems for the maiden test firing of the M1-interceptor missile. This highly anticipated event is part of Project Kusha, an ambitious programme spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
What is Project Kusha?
Project Kusha, officially named the Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS) or Program Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (PGLRSAM), was approved by India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in May 2022. Later, in September 2023, it received the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) from the Ministry of Defence, securing a budget of ₹21,700 crore (around US$2.6 billion) for the acquisition of five air defence squadrons for the Indian Air Force.
This project is intended to fill the operational gap between India’s existing MR-SAM systems (with a range of 80 km) and the long-range Russian S-400 systems (with a range of 400 km). It will work alongside other key systems such as the Indo-Israeli Barak-8 and India’s indigenous Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) network.
About the M1-Interceptor
The M1-interceptor is the first missile variant under Project Kusha, with a planned engagement range of 150 km. This will later be followed by the M2 (250 km) and M3 (350 km) versions. Together, these interceptors will create a multi-layered air defence shield capable of tackling diverse aerial threats including:
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Stealth fighters
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Cruise missiles
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Armed drones
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Precision-guided bombs
The M1 missile comes equipped with a host of advanced technologies:
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Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) seeker for precise target detection.
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Dual-mode guidance using both Infrared (IR) and Radio Frequency (RF) systems.
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Dual-pulse solid rocket motor offering better end-game manoeuvrability.
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Thrust Vector Control (TVC) for rapid directional changes.
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Newly developed ‘Indhan-1’ propellant for increased thrust and range.
Notably, the missile boasts a single-shot kill probability of over 80%, which rises to more than 90% in salvo launch mode.
Key Specifications of the M1-Interceptor
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Range | 150 km |
| Guidance | AESA seeker, IR & RF dual-mode |
| Propulsion | Dual-pulse solid rocket motor with TVC |
| Propellant | ‘Indhan-1’ solid propellant |
| Kill Vehicle | Equipped with Seeker Stabilization & Tracking System (SSTS) |
| Target Speed Handling | 2,300 m/s |
| Kill Probability (Single/Salvo) | 80% / 90% |
| Compatible Airframe | Based on Akash-NG airframe |
| Booster Specs | Length: 1,150 mm, Grain Mass: 135 kg |
| Radar Cross Section Handling | 2 m² at distances over 20 km |
Installation of Portable Launchers and Jet Deflectors
The installation work is set to begin soon at Launch Complex-IV (LC-IV) in Dhamra, Odisha, with the inaugural test expected in early June 2025. The portable launchers will allow for rapid deployment across different operational zones, offering high mobility and flexibility to the armed forces.
The jet deflectors play a crucial role by diverting the high-temperature exhaust gases away from sensitive equipment and ground personnel during missile launches. This ensures the safety of both infrastructure and personnel at the test site.
Project Progress So Far
As of August 2024, DRDO has completed the fabrication of five M1 prototypes. Additionally, orders have been placed for:
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20 sets of airframes
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20 rocket motors
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50 kill vehicles (warheads)
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Multiple telemetry transceivers
The missile’s kill vehicle integrates the Seeker Stabilization and Tracking System (SSTS) technology, enabling it to precisely track high-speed targets with small radar signatures.
Why Project Kusha Matters
Once operational, Project Kusha will provide India with a homegrown, multi-layered, long-range air defence system capable of intercepting advanced airborne threats. It will bridge a vital capability gap, strengthen deterrence, and enhance India’s ability to defend its skies independently.
The system is also designed to integrate with the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), ensuring real-time coordination with military and civilian radars for rapid, data-driven threat responses.
The upcoming installation of portable launchers and jet deflectors marks a vital step towards the realization of Project Kusha’s first missile test. As India continues to push the boundaries of indigenous defence technology, the successful development and deployment of the M1-interceptor will be a proud milestone in bolstering national security and achieving greater self-reliance in strategic air defence.
