Context: Project Kusha
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the importance of Project Kusha, India’s indigenous long-range air defence programme developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
Project Kusha
Project Kusha is an indigenous Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile system.
It is designed to intercept:
- Aircraft
- Stealth fighters
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
- Cruise missiles
- Ballistic missiles
Development Status
- Received Acceptance of Necessity from the Defence Acquisition Council in 2023.
- Induction expected around 2028–29.
Key Features
- Three-layer interceptor system.
- Engagement ranges of about:
- 150 km
- 250 km
- 350 km
- Intended to provide capabilities comparable in role to advanced systems such as S-400 Triumf.
Mission Sudarshan Chakra
Mission Sudarshan Chakra is a national initiative launched in 2025 to establish a country-wide multi-layered air and missile defence shield by 2035.
Objective
To protect:
- Major cities
- Military installations
- Nuclear assets
- Critical infrastructure
Project Kusha vs Mission Sudarshan Chakra
Project Kusha
- Specific long-range interceptor missile system.
- Weapon system.
Mission Sudarshan Chakra
- Overall national air-defence architecture.
- Integrated defence network.
Relationship Between Both
Project Kusha will form one of the major layers within Mission Sudarshan Chakra.
