With the successful completion of Project Kusha’s initial development trial by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), India has made a major advancement in its air defense capabilities.
Project Kusha, often referred to as the Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS), is India’s domestic long-range missile defense program, intended to compete with S-400 systems. The project, which is anticipated to cost ₹21,700 crore, is intended to defend important military and civilian assets against aerial threats.
M1 missiles have a range of 150 km, M2 missiles have a range of 250 km, and M3 missiles have a range of up to 400 km, making up the system’s three-layer interceptor shield. When they work together, they can combat threats including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, fighter jets, and drones.
It is anticipated that flight testing will start in 2026, with the first deployment scheduled for 2028 and the complete implementation by 2030. The need for several squadrons has already been met by the Indian Air Force.
Project Kusha will support India’s drive for defense independence by being a component of Mission Sudarshan Chakra, the country’s larger ambition to construct a multi-layered air defense network by 2035.
Source – Zee News
