India's Homegrown Air Defence System Akin to S-400, Designated Project Kusha, Set for Imminent Completion
India is developing a locally-produced long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) system, named Project Kusha, as part of its quest for defense technology self-sufficiency. The indigenous system is being designed in tandem with the Russian S-400 Triumph, known for its exceptional performance during Operation Sindoor, where Indian forces successfully intercepted over 300 Pakistani drone and missile attacks following terror activities on the border.
DRDO and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) are collaborating on Project Kusha, with BEL developing essential subsystems such as advanced control systems and radar technologies. BEL Chairman and Managing Director Manoj Jain revealed that the company is awaiting word on the selection of a system integrator for the project and is keen to be among the chosen few.
Reports suggest that the prototype of the indigenous system could be completed within 12 to 18 months, and user trials may span 12 to 36 months post-development. This timeline positions full system deployment around 2028 or 2029.
India signed a deal with Russia to purchase five S-400 systems in 2018, and three have already arrived, with the fourth set to arrive next year and the fifth in 2026. The National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, is scheduled to travel to Moscow to discuss the early delivery of the remaining S-400 systems.
Besides Project Kusha, BEL is also engaged in the development of the QRSAM system. The negotiations for the contract are underway, and an allotted team is working on completing the project, expected to generate orders worth Rs 30,000 crore.
During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force fielded the S-400 system, which demonstrated its ability to counter aerial threats up to a range of 400 km through its superior radar and engagement capabilities. As India strengthens its defense preparedness to counter regional security threats, Project Kusha is a significant step towards indigenization and air defense technology independence. Successfully developing an indigenous S-400 substitute could transform India's strategic independence in missile defense capabilities.
- The collaboration between DRDO and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) on Project Kusha involves the development of advanced control systems and radar technologies, aiming to create a locally-produced equivalent of the S-400 system.
- As India strives for defense technology self-sufficiency, the successful development of an indigenous S-400 substitute through Project Kusha could potentially revolutionize its strategic independence in missile defense capabilities.
