Project Kusha: India's Indigenous Long Range Air Defence System
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Why in News
- The Defence Minister called Project Kusha a major turning point for national security.
- He spoke at the opening of the Advanced Weapon System Complex located at DRDO's Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad.
About Project Kusha
- Project Kusha is also known as the Extended Range Air Defence System.
- It is a domestic long-range surface-to-air missile network created by DRDO to protect against various airborne dangers.
- The system uses multiple defense layers to stop incoming attacks safely.
Key Features
- The network features three different interceptor types for layered defense coverage.
- The M1 variant covers a range of roughly 150 km.
- The M2 variant reaches targets at a distance of about 250 km.
- The M3 variant provides long-range defense spanning 350-400 km.
Threat Coverage
- The setup is built to target enemy fighter aircraft and stealth platforms.
- It can successfully destroy drones, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions.
- The system also handles specific ballistic missile threats to ensure complete safety.
Operational Role
- Engineers plan to connect the system with the Indian Air Force's Integrated Air Command and Control System.
- This connection allows military and civilian radar networks to share data in real time.
Broader Defence Architecture
- Project Kusha will work alongside other missile shields like QRSAM or Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile.
- It also joins hands with VSHORADS or Very Short-Range Air Defence System.
- Future deployments will include ballistic missile defenses and directed-energy weapons to build a strong multi-layered shield.
Strategic Significance
- This project boosts national manufacturing power in air defense technology.
- It lowers reliance on foreign systems such as the S-400.
- The program helps India achieve true strategic independence in military equipment.