Key facts
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded Project Kusha as a significant advancement for India's security.
- The indigenous Project Kusha is a long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) defence system.
- It is designed to counter threats including stealth aircraft, drones, and hypersonic weapons.
- The system has already demonstrated its effectiveness during 'Operation Sindoor' in 2025.
- Project Kusha is expected to be operationally deployed between 2028 and 2030.
- Singh emphasized the collaborative approach in India's defence ecosystem, integrating various industry and academic players.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday lauded India's indigenous Project Kusha air defence system, calling it a transformative asset for the nation's security and predicting it will be a "game changer." Speaking at the inauguration of the Advanced Weapon System Complex at DRDL (DRDO) in Hyderabad, Singh compared the system's protective capabilities to the legendary Govardhan Hill.
Project Kusha is a long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) defence system under development by the DRDO, intended to rival systems like Russia's S-400. It is designed with three interceptor variants offering ranges of 150 km, 250 km, and 400 km, capable of defending against threats such as stealth aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic weapons. The system is anticipated for operational deployment between 2028 and 2030.
Singh highlighted the system's proven effectiveness during "Operation Sindoor," a tri-services military campaign conducted in 2025. He emphasized the significant transformation occurring within India's defence ecosystem, characterized by increased integration among DRDO laboratories, defense public sector undertakings, private industries, startups, MSMEs, and academia. This collaborative model, he believes, will accelerate the journey from innovation to production and operational capability.
The Defence Minister also commented on the current global landscape of instability and conflict, noting that nations require resilience and deterrence to safeguard their security and interests. He pointed out the rapid evolution of global warfare, influenced by AI, electronic warfare, and advanced sensors. Programs like 'Kusha' and institutions like DRDL, he stated, provide confidence in the nation's preparedness to face external challenges.