Project Kusha-Defence

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on the Project Kusha to operationally deploy its own long-range air defense system by 2028-29.

Aim – To develop India’s own Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (LR-SAM)

Jointly developed with - Israel Aerospace Industries, Israel’s major aerospace and aviation manufacturers

Ranges - Hit hostile targets at 150 km, 250 km, and 350 km ranges.

Project Kusha:

• 'Project Kusha' is set to provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a long-range air defence system, with deployment targeted for 2028-29.
• The ambitious indigenous project will be developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at an estimated budget of Rs 21,700 crore. 
• Drawing parallels with Israel's renowned Iron Dome system, 'Project Kusha' is expected to not only match but potentially surpass the capabilities of its Israeli counterpart.
• It aims to detect and destroy various hostile targets, including cruise missiles, stealth fighter jets, and drones at extended ranges.

Key Features:

• The long-range surface-to-air defence system (LR-SAM) incorporates advanced long-range surveillance and fire control radars, which empower the IAF to effectively monitor airspace and fend off enemy threats.
• Interceptor missiles, with ranges of 150 km, 200 km, and 350 km, provide the ability to detect and strike hostile targets at different distances.
• It will also be effective in providing strategic and tactical cover.
• The system reportedly has a single-shot kill chance of at least 80%and over 90% when two missiles are fired after each other.
• The firing units of 'Project Kusha' can seamlessly integrate with the IAF's air command and control system, facilitating coordination with a wide range of military radars.

Features – The LR-SAM system will be a mobile platform equipped with long range surveillance and fire control radars.

• It seeks to establish a formidable 3 layered defense system to detect and destroy incoming stealth fighters, aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and precision-guided munitions.
• It will be made capable of interacting with an integrated command and control system (IACCS), an automated air defence command and control centre used by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The ground systems include Igla, OSA-AK-M, Pechora missiles, Spyder quick-reaction missiles, indigenous Akash area defence missiles and the Barak-8 medium-range SAM systems.

What is Iron Dome?

• It is Israel’s air missile defense systemthat can defend against short-range rockets, intercepting them in the air above the state.
• It is capable of successfully handling multiple rockets at a time.
• Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries, the system became operational in March 2011.
• Features:
• The Iron Dome functions by detecting, analysing, and intercepting varieties of targets such as mortars, rockets, and artillery. 
• It is powered by missile-defense batteries.
• It has all-weather capabilitiesand is able to function night or day.
• It is able to launch a variety of interceptor missiles. 
• It is designed to shoot down missiles with a range of about 40 miles or less.
• It must be reloaded continuously to intercept incoming missiles.