Project Kusha (Space & Defence Sectors)
Project Kusha (Space & Defence Sectors)
Why In News:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Project Kusha as India's indigenous air defence shield and called it a "game changer" for India's aerial defence capabilities.
What is Project Kusha?
Project Kusha is India's indigenous Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) system for the Indian Air Force.
Developed by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) to provide long-range aerial threat interception capability.
Threat envelope: Designed to intercept aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, drones, and other aerial threats at long ranges.
Kusha aims to provide an indigenous alternative to foreign systems like Russia's S-400 Triumf.
India's Missile Programme - Key Institutions and Systems
DRDO: Defence Research and Development Organisation, established 1958. Under the Ministry of Defence. HQ: New Delhi.
IGMDP (Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme): Launched in 1983 under Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Produced: Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Akash, Nag.
Akash Missile: India's indigenous medium-range surface-to-air missile. Used by Indian Army and Air Force. Akash-NG (Next Generation) is the upgraded variant.
BrahMos: India-Russia joint venture (DRDO + NPO Mashinostroyeniya). Supersonic cruise missile, speed approximately Mach 2.8-3.
About Sudarshan Chakra Mission
Objectives:
To strengthenIndia's deterrent and offensive capabilities byexpanding, strengthening and modernising national security shield.
It will be part of Multi-Layered Missile Defence System of India.