Project Kusha (Space & Defence Sectors)
Project Kusha (Space & Defence Sectors)
Why In News:
On 23 July 2026, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the 'Kusha' from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
Source: The Indian Express, Page 9, 24 July 2026 - 'DRDO flight test of Kusha takes off'
What is Project Kusha?
Project Kusha, also called the Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS), is an indigenously developed long-range surface-to-air missile system by DRDO aimed at creating a layered air defence shield against diverse aerial threats.
It is designed as India's indigenous alternative to the imported S-400 Triumf system.
Key Features: The system will include three interceptor variants—M1 (~150 km), M2 (~250 km), and M3 (~350–400 km)—enabling multi-layered interception capability.
Threat Coverage: It is designed to neutralize a wide range of threats, including fighter jets, stealth aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, precision-guided munitions, and certain ballistic missiles.
Operational Role: Project Kusha will be integrated with the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) for real-time coordination across military and civilian radar networks.
India's Layered Air Defence Architecture
Akash: indigenous surface-to-air missile (around 25 to 30 km range), already inducted into the armed forces.
Barak-8 or MR-SAM: medium-range system jointly developed with Israel (roughly 70 to 100 km range).
S-400 Triumf: Russian-origin long-range system with a strike range of up to 400 km, being inducted in phases; a fourth squadron arrived in June 2026.
Kusha is intended to fill the indigenous long-range slot alongside these systems, forming a multi-layered shield.
Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS): a related multi-layered system combining QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile), VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System) missiles and a Directed Energy Weapon(DEW), flight-tested earlier.
Key Facts for Prelims
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island (earlier known as Wheeler Island) lies off the Odisha coast and hosts missile testing infrastructure, distinct from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, also in Odisha.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is chaired by the Prime Minister and is the highest decision-making body on defence acquisitions and national security matters.
DRDO functions under the Department of Defence Research and Development, Ministry of Defence, and its chief also serves as the department's secretary.