India is rapidly accelerating its anti-ballistic missile capabilities under Project Kusha, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) expecting to test-fire three distinct interceptors ranging from 120 km to 400 km over the next 12 months, according to verified defense reports. The initiative forms the backbone of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader Mission Sudarshan Chakra shield, designed to protect critical national infrastructure and fighting platforms from advanced aerial threats.
The push for an expanded long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) network intensified following Operation Sindoor, an active military engagement in which Pakistan targeted India with as many as 1,000 projectiles. While the Akash Teer missile system successfully intercepted all incoming enemy missiles and kamikaze drones without a single projectile reaching its target, the armed forces identified an urgent requirement for layered, long-range defensive systems. Government assessments note that recent global conflicts, including the ongoing Iran-US war and related strikes across the Middle East, demonstrate that modern warfare relies heavily on standoff weapons such as drones and ballistic missiles.
Did You Know? Project Kusha was officially cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security in May 2022, though development gained top priority status following Operation Sindoor and international conflict trends highlighting the dominance of standoff weapons.
Recent Test-Firing and Interceptor Specifications
On Thursday, the DRDO executed the maiden test-firing of the Kusha M-1 interceptor off the coast of Odisha, achieving a verified operational range of 120 kilometers. The upcoming testing schedule will evaluate the M-2 interceptor, featuring a 150 km range, followed by the M-3 interceptor designed for a target range of 400 km. Together, these three interceptors cover a dedicated 150-400 km engagement band, effectively bridging the gap between India’s 80 km range medium-range surface-to-air missiles and imported high-altitude air defense systems.
Project Kusha is not limited to kinetic interceptors; it incorporates advanced long-range radars capable of detecting enemy missile launches across international borders well before engagement. This radar infrastructure is intended to provide early warning data, allowing defense operators to neutralize aerial threats seamlessly. Because Operation Sindoor remains active and uncalled off, defense planners are concurrently expanding the country’s long-range missile inventory to maintain deterrence against cross-border terrorism threats.
Integration With S-400 Systems and Future Procurement
To complement the domestic capabilities of Project Kusha, India is scheduled to receive its fifth contracted S-400 air defense system from Russia in November of this year. Furthermore, preliminary work has begun to acquire an additional five S-400 systems from Russia utilizing the “buy and make” route. Regulatory approvals are expected to follow, alongside a planned purchase of more than 280 S-400 missiles to bolster national inventory levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary objective of Project Kusha?
Project Kusha aims to develop and deploy a series of long-range surface-to-air missile interceptors—specifically the M-1, M-2, and M-3 variants—alongside advanced long-range radars to protect India’s critical infrastructure and fighting platforms from aerial threats.
What was the range of the recent test-fire off the coast of Odisha?
The DRDO successfully conducted the maiden test-firing of the Kusha M-1 interceptor with a range of 120 kilometers.
How many S-400 systems is India acquiring from Russia?
India is awaiting the delivery of its fifth contracted S-400 system in November, while initiating work to acquire another five systems under the buy and make route, backed by an inventory order of more than 280 S-400 missiles.
How will the integration of domestic interceptors and imported air defense systems impact regional security dynamics in the coming months?