Project Kusha
- Context: Defence Minister described the indigenous Project Kusha air defence programme as a “game changer” for India’s security architecture, asserting that its importance had already been demonstrated during Operation Sindoor.
About project kusha
- This indigenous air defense system is designed to detect and destroy a wide array of threats, including stealth fighters, aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions at ranges of up to 350 km.
- Developed by: Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
- Aim: It seeks to establish a formidable three-layered defense system with the capability to neutralize enemy aircraft and missiles from extended distances effectively.
- Estimated Cost: 21,700 crore
Key Features
- The long range surface to air defence system(LR-SAM) incorporates advance long range surveillance and fire control radars.
- Interceptor missiles with a range of 150 km, 200 km and 350 km, provide the ability to detect and strike hostile targets at different distances.
- The firing units of “Project kusha” can be seamlessly integrated with IAF’s air command and control system, facilitating coordination with wide range of military radars
- Impressive single shot probability of around 80%. When two missiles are fired consecutively, kill probability rises to 90 percent.
