Kusha Air Defence Systems — Bharat’s ‘Kavach with Kundal’
The Kusha project is going to be the KAVACH & KUNDLE for Bharatavarsha , as described in Mahabharat with respect to Karna. India is determined to build its own indigenous systems capable of exceeding the performance of globally recognised platforms like S-500, Iron Dome or THADD of USA reinforcing the nation’s strategic autonomy in critical defence technologies.
The Kusha project comprising three distinct variants—Kusha-M1, Kusha-M2, and Kusha-M3 with each designed to intercept a spectrum of aerial threats at varying ranges will get inducted in phased manner.The entire system will be in place by 2030. Till then we will be having five regiments of S400 and the respective Base Air Defence of each IAF base.
Kusha-M1 will serve as the short-range component, equipped with missile systems capable of intercepting aircraft and incoming missiles at close distances.
Kusha-M2 will extend the coverage to medium-range threats, utilising surface-to-air missiles with greater reach, while Kusha-M3 is planned to offer interception capabilities at distances exceeding 400 km, rivalling some of the most advanced air defence systems globally. All three variants will share a common kill vehicle, but each will be fitted with different boosters tailored to their operational range requirements.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is going full throttle on the development of the Kusha air defence system, the three layered , indigenous solution aimed at significantly enhancing India’s long-range air defence capabilities.
The system is designed to provide multi-layered space protection, with a single battery capable of launching several interceptor missiles to cover a defensive envelope between 100 and 200 km, countering a wide array of aerial threats.
The first development trials for Kusha-M1 are expected as early as September, with possible induction by 2028. Kusha-M2 trials are slated for the following year, and Kusha-M3 could see its first tests by 2027.
Kusha is being positioned as India’s indigenous answer to Russia’s S-500 systematic Israel’s Iron Dome. DRDO is confident that it will easily surpass the capabilities of the S-400 Triumf, which the Indian Air Force has already deployed with success during recent operations.
The extended-range Kusha system is expected to provide a robust defensive wall against kinetic projectiles, marking a significant stride towards self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) in India’s air defence architecture.
In all IAF needs around 15 integrated Kusha systems (M1 to M3 ) to cover the country with few additional for Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep.
