Project Kusha: India's Next-Generation Air Defence System Unveiled at Aero India 2025

At the Aero India 2025 exhibition, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased scale models of the Project Kusha Air Defence System, highlighting its advanced capabilities and strategic importance for India's defence infrastructure.

Overview of Project Kusha

Project Kusha, also known as the Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS), is an ambitious initiative by DRDO to develop a long-range, surface-to-air missile system tailored for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy. The system is designed to detect and neutralize a variety of aerial threats, including stealth fighters, drones, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions, at ranges extending up to 350 kilometers. Its deployment is anticipated between 2028 and 2029.

Key Specifications and Features

• Interceptor Missiles: The system comprises three distinct interceptor missiles, each designed for specific range capabilities:

  • M1 (MR-SAM): Medium-range interceptor with a range of 150 km.
  • M2 (ER-SAM): Extended-range interceptor capable of engaging targets up to 250 km.
  • M3 (XR-SAM): Long-range interceptor with a reach of 350 km.

• Speed and Guidance: The missiles are engineered to achieve speeds up to Mach 5.5 and are equipped with dual-mode seekers combining infrared (IR) and radio frequency (RF) technologies, ensuring high accuracy in target acquisition and engagement.

• Kill Vehicle: Each missile incorporates a specialized kill vehicle designed to effectively neutralize incoming threats through direct impact or proximity detonation.

• Radar Systems: The system integrates advanced long-range surveillance and fire control radars, enhancing its ability to detect, track, and engage multiple targets simultaneously.

• Integration with IAF Systems: Project Kusha is designed to seamlessly integrate with the IAF's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), a fully automated network that combines various military and civilian radars to provide a comprehensive airspace picture, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of air defence operations.

Development Milestones

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the development of Project Kusha in May 2022. Subsequently, in September 2023, the Ministry of Defence granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of five squadrons for the IAF, with an estimated budget of ₹21,700 crore (approximately US$2.5 billion).

As of August 2024, DRDO has initiated the fabrication of the M1 missiles and has placed orders for essential components, including airframes, rocket motors, kill vehicles, and transceivers. Testing of these missiles is slated to commence in early 2025.

Strategic Significance

Project Kusha is poised to significantly enhance India's air defence capabilities by filling the operational gap between existing systems such as the MR-SAM (with a range of 70-80 km) and the Russian S-400 (with a range of up to 400 km). By providing a layered defence mechanism, it will offer comprehensive protection against a wide spectrum of aerial threats, thereby strengthening national security.

The unveiling of Project Kusha at Aero India 2025 underscores India's commitment to advancing its indigenous defence technologies and achieving self-reliance in critical military capabilities.