Project Kusha, the long-range surface-to-air air defence missile system capable of striking aerial targets at around 400 km, was showcased at the Aero India air show in Bengaluru. The missile system will be developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with the private sector firm Solar Industries and Bharat Dynamics Limited. This ambitious project aims to bolster India’s air defence capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign systems like Russia’s S-400 Triumf.
#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: Project Kusha, the long-range surface-to-air air defence missile system which can strike aerial targets at around 400 Km, showcased at the Aero India air show in Bengaluru. The missile will be developed by the Defence Research and Development… pic.twitter.com/n3IM6e7WQz
— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2025
What is Project Kusha?
Project Kusha is India’s latest effort to develop an indigenous long-range air defence system by 2028-29. Designed to counter aerial threats such as cruise missiles, stealth fighter jets, and drones, it will be equipped with three types of interceptor missiles capable of neutralising targets at distances of 150 km, 250 km, and 350 km. Additionally, the system will incorporate advanced long-range surveillance and fire control radars to detect and track threats.
Project Kusha is envisioned as India’s answer to global air defence systems like Russia’s S-400 and Israel’s Iron Dome. It will enhance India’s strategic autonomy while strengthening its deterrence posture against adversaries.
India’s Deployment of S-400 Triumf
To further reinforce its air defence, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed three S-400 Triumf squadrons along its borders with China and Pakistan. The S-400 is a Russian mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) designed to intercept and destroy various aerial threats: aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and even ballistic missiles.
In 2018-2019, India signed a deal with Russia to buy five squadrons of the S-400. Out of them, two are still waiting due to the continued ongoing conflict of Russia with Ukraine.
With its ability to engage around 36 targets simultaneously and an operational range of 400 km, the S-400 is one of the most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile systems worldwide, outstripping the US-developed Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.
Why is the S-400 important for India?
India is challenged to stand against China and Pakistan on a dual front, and both China and Pakistan continue to modernize their air forces and missile arsenals. The S-400, thus, forms an integral part of India’s air defence system and a deterrent against aerial threats.
Rightly so, then, India must arm itself well and bolster its defenses, given China’s growing overreach into the Indian Ocean Region vis-à-vis its barking and biting along the Line of Actual Control (LAC); and finally, the role of the S-400 will play a critical part in the strategy of India to ensure airspace security.
Comparative Evaluation of the Iron Dome of Israel
Besides the S-400, the other air defence system globally recognized: the Israeli Iron Dome. Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries, the Iron Dome intercepts short-range rockets, artillery, and mortars. It became operational in 2011 and is exercised, with great success, in neutralizing threats.
Consisting of Detection and Tracking Radar, Battle Management and Weapons Control, and the Missile Launcher, the Iron Dome has a range of about 70 km. Whilst very effective in countering short-range attacks, it is out of step with S-400 and Project Kusha, which are more geared towards a focus on long-range threats.
India is accelerating its air defence capabilities with the purchase of the S-400 and the initiation of Project Kusha in order to solidify its combat superiority. Project Kusha is expected to be of utmost importance in India’s endeavors in fortifying its nation and providing it with defence technologies rendered self-reliant.
