Project Kusha — Indigenous Long-Range Air Defence System (LR-SAM)
Tri-Services
STATUS: DEVELOPMENT (Stage 2/5)
Target Timeline: 2028–2029 (Field Trials & Induction)
TARGET INDUCTION
2028–2029 (Field Trials & Induction)
LEAD AGENCY
DRDO / Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) / BDL
Interceptor Range
150 km, 250 km, and 350 km (Multi-tier)
Altitude Coverage
Up to 30 km (Stratospheric interception)
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
Project Kusha is India's sovereign initiative to develop an indigenous Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) system rivaling the Russian S-400 Triumf and American Patriot. Sanctioned by CCS for Rs 21,700 crore, Project Kusha deploys three distinct interceptor missiles (ranges of 150 km, 250 km, and 350 km) against stealth fighters, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and AWACS aircraft.
STRATEGIC POWER PROJECTION
Project Kusha frees India from reliance on foreign strategic surface-to-air missile imports, providing a sovereign strategic shield over critical population centers, industrial hubs, and military strike formations.
KEY DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
TECH DOMAIN
Three-tier interceptor missile architecture (150 km, 250 km, 350 km ranges)
TECH DOMAIN
Active Gallium-Nitride (GaN) Multi-Function Radar for long-range target tracking
TECH DOMAIN
Dual-pulse solid rocket motors with thrust-vector control for extreme terminal agility
TECH DOMAIN
Direct integration with IAF Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS)
TECH DOMAIN
High single-shot kill probability against low radar cross-section stealth platforms
PROJECTED TARGET SPECIFICATIONS
| Interceptor Range | 150 km, 250 km, and 350 km (Multi-tier) |
| Altitude Coverage | Up to 30 km (Stratospheric interception) |
| Target Types | Stealth Fighters, AWACS, Cruise Missiles, Ballistic Missiles |
| Radar | Indigenous GaN AESA Multi-Function Fire Control Radar |