NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday described the indigenous Project Kusha air defence system as a potential “game changer” for India’s security architecture, saying it has already demonstrated its importance during Operation Sindoor.Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Advanced Weapon System Complex at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad, Singh compared the system’s protective role to the legendary Govardhan Hill from Hindu mythology.“Today I predict that the Project Kusha will be a game changer for India’s security scenario,” Singh said, according to news agency ANI.Referring to Operation Sindoor, the tri-services military campaign launched in 2025 following the Pahalgam terror attack, he added, “It is a world-class indigenous air defence system, which has proved its importance during Operation Sindoor. No further proof is needed. Just as the Govardhan hill protected the entire region of Braj in the Dvapara Yuga, our air defence system provided a protective umbrella for the entire region during that period.”
What is Project Kusha?
Project Kusha is a long-range indigenous surface-to-air missile (SAM) system being developed by DRDO to provide layered air defence against a range of aerial threats.The system is designed to rival advanced platforms such as Russia’s S-400 Triumf and will feature three interceptor variants:
- M1 interceptor with a range of around 150 km
- M2 interceptor with a range of around 250 km
- M3 interceptor with a range of 350-400 km
The system is intended to counter fighter aircraft, including stealth platforms, drones, cruise missiles, precision-guided munitions and certain ballistic missile threats.The Defence Acquisition Council granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procurement of five squadrons for the Indian Air Force in 2023.Operational deployment is expected around 2028-2030.
Part of India’s broader air defence plans
Project Kusha is expected to be integrated with the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), allowing real-time coordination between military and civilian radar networks.The project is also linked to the broader “Mission Sudarshan Chakra”, an initiative aimed at building a multi-layered air and missile defence shield for India by 2035.The architecture is expected to combine long-range systems like Kusha with Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), ballistic missile defence assets and future directed-energy weapons.
Rajnath highlights changing nature of warfare
Singh said the global security environment is becoming increasingly uncertain, with conflicts, instability and emerging wars reshaping international relations.“The international order is passing through a phase of tension and change. Old assumptions are breaking down, and new alliances and new challenges are taking shape,” he said.He stressed the need for both resilience and deterrence, saying countries must be capable of absorbing shocks while also discouraging potential adversaries through strong defence capabilities.The minister also noted that modern warfare is rapidly evolving through technologies such as artificial intelligence, electronic warfare and advanced sensors.
Push for indigenous defence ecosystem
Singh said India’s defence ecosystem is undergoing significant transformation, with DRDO laboratories, defence public sector undertakings, private industry, startups, MSMEs and academia working together more closely than before.“DRDO laboratories, defence public sector undertakings, private industries, startups, MSMEs, and academia are working together with greater integration than ever before,” he said, expressing confidence that the collaborative model would accelerate India’s journey from innovation to production and operational capability.He added that programmes such as Project Kusha and institutions like DRDL strengthen public confidence by ensuring India remains prepared amid an increasingly volatile global security landscape.
