Project Kusha: DRDO’s Long-Range Air Defence System Nears DAC Approval

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is finalizing preparations to present Project Kusha—India’s indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system—at the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting on November 23, 2025. Designed to intercept aerial threats at ranges of 250–350 km, Kusha will serve as a critical mid-tier layer between the short-range Akashteer system and the ultra-long-range S-400, creating a seamless, multi-layered air defense shield.

Official DRDO documents, released on September 28, 2025, confirm the system comprises three variants:

• Kusha-1: 150 km range (successor to QRSAM)
• Kusha-2: 250 km range (Tier 2 equivalent to S-400)
• Kusha-3: 350 km range (hypersonic interceptor)

The system employs solid-fuel ramjet propulsion and an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar developed by LRDE Bengaluru. A successful test on September 25, 2025, intercepted a Prithvi-II ballistic missile target at 180 km with 100% accuracy, as verified by DRDO’s Integrated Test Range (ITR) Chandipur (source: DRDO Press Release, 28 Sep 2025).

The Ministry of Defence’s record 51% capital expenditure utilization in H1 FY26 has allocated ₹15,000 crore for Phase 1 induction by 2029. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will produce the radar and command systems, while Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) handles missile production.

Project Kusha directly supports the tri-service modernization agenda outlined in the DAC’s November preview. It integrates with over 200 deployed Akashteer units for real-time sensor fusion, enabling rapid handoff from low-altitude drone defense to high-altitude missile interception.

Lessons from AUSTRAHIND 2025—where Indian and Australian forces simulated swarm attacks—have been incorporated into Kusha’s AI-driven battle management software. The system can track 1,000+ targets simultaneously and engage 36 in salvo mode.

With China deploying HQ-9B (200 km) and CJ-1000 hypersonic missiles along the LAC, Kusha ensures India maintains air superiority. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat stated: “Kusha is not just a missile—it’s a strategic deterrent” (DRDO Annual Symposium, 10 Oct 2025).

Phase 1 will deploy 12 batteries: 6 for Army (Northern Command), 4 for IAF (Western Air Command), and 2 for Navy (coastal protection). Full operational capability is targeted for 2030, with 94% indigenous content—true Atmanirbhar Bharat in action.