India Defence Project Kusha: India is slowly trying to build its own powerful air defence system through a plan called Project Kusha. The idea is to make long-range defence missiles within India instead of buying them from other countries. This project wants to reach the same strength as systems like the S-400 and possibly go beyond that. Ankathi Raju, who heads the Armament Research and Development Establishment, has said that Project Kusha is meant to create missiles that can match the S-400 level.
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Three missiles to Protect the sky
Project Kusha will develop three different interceptor missiles called M1, M2, and M3. Ankathi Raju explained that these three missiles will work together as a layered air defence shield. This means they will stop many types of threats such as enemy fighter jets, cruise missiles, and other valuable flying targets. The main idea is to build Indian technology that can stand equal to top global defence systems and later move ahead of them.
The first missile, M1, is being made with a range of 150 km. This is better than many medium-range air defence missiles used around the world today. For example, it has a longer reach than the 9M96E2 missile, which works up to about 120 km. Because of this longer range, the M1 can destroy threats earlier and with quick response.
The second missile whichis M2, will be even more powerful. It is planned to have a range of 250 km. This puts it in the same group as long-range missiles like the S-400’s 48N6DM and 48N6E3. The M2 is expected to become the main strength of Project Kusha. It will help protect against fast and high-flying targets that are difficult to stop.
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M3 missile
The most advanced missile in Project Kusha is the M3 interceptor. Its official range is said to be 350 km. This is slightly less than the S-400’s 40N6E missile, which can reach 400 km. However, older reports say work is still going on to improve the M3. These improvements may increase its range to around 400 km, which would make it equal to the 40N6E.
If this longer range is achieved the M3 will be able to hit targets deep inside enemy airspace. This will make India’s air defence much stronger and increase deterrence. The first test of the M3 missile is expected by 2028.
