[🇮🇳] DRDO’s Project Kusha Phase II to Match S-500 Level Capabilities with Mach 7 Interceptor Missiles India Defense

[Krishna with Flute]

Date of Event: Jun 9, 2025

Source : https://www.thedefensenews.com/news-details/DRDOs-Project-Kusha-Phase-II-to-Match-S-500-Level-Capabilities-with-Mach-7-Interceptor-Missiles/ Short Summary: India is taking a major leap in indigenous defence technology with Project Kusha, an ambitious long-range air defence system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Aimed at achieving capabilities on par with Russia’s advanced S-400 Triumf and potentially even the S-500 Prometheus, Project Kusha is a vital step in enhancing India’s strategic autonomy and self-reliance in defence production.

DRDO’s Project Kusha Phase II to Match S-500 Level Capabilities with Mach 7 Interceptor Missiles​

India Defense

India is taking a major leap in indigenous defence technology with Project Kusha, an ambitious long-range air defence system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Aimed at achieving capabilities on par with Russia’s advanced S-400 Triumf and potentially even the S-500 Prometheus, Project Kusha is a vital step in enhancing India’s strategic autonomy and self-reliance in defence production.

A New Era in Indian Air Defence​

Project Kusha, also known as the Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS) or Programme Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (PGLRSAM), is designed to protect Indian airspace from a wide range of threats including stealth aircraft, ballistic missiles, and electronic warfare platforms. It fills the operational gap between India’s MR-SAM (Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile) with a range of 80 km and the S-400 system, which can strike targets up to 400 km away.

Three Powerful Interceptor Missiles​

At the heart of Kusha’s firepower are three types of interceptor missiles:

• M1: Range up to 150 km
• M2: Range up to 250 km
• M3: Range up to 350 km

These high-speed missiles are designed to intercept threats at Mach 7 speeds, enabling fast, agile response to modern aerial attacks. Each interceptor is tailored for different threat profiles—from fast-moving fighter jets to large targets like AWACS aircraft and ballistic missiles.

Advanced Specifications and Capabilities​

• Kill Vehicle Diameter:
  
  • M1 and M2: 250 mm
  • M3: 450 mm
• Propulsion: All three missiles use dual-pulse solid rocket motors with thrust vector control, allowing high maneuverability during engagement.
• Hit Probability:
  
  • Single missile: 85%
  • Two missiles in salvo: 98.5%
• Radar and Sensors:
  
  • Project Kusha will incorporate Swordfish Long Range Tracking Radar, upgraded to detect targets up to 1,500 km away.
  • It will also feature AI-driven fire control systems for faster response and coordinated interception.
• Surveillance Range: The system’s radars can scan and track airspace 500–600 km deep into enemy territory, giving early warning against cruise missiles, stealth aircraft, drones, and hypersonic glide vehicles.

Phase-II and Beyond: Eye on S-500 Capabilities​

The next stage of Project Kusha, referred to as Phase-II, aims to develop interceptors with ranges exceeding 400 km. These will target hypersonic weapons and next-generation ballistic threats, rivaling even the Russian S-500, which is designed to destroy hypersonic missiles and intercept targets at 600 km.

While technical details of Phase-II remain classified, its goals include:

• Defending against hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs)
• Integration with space-based early warning systems
• Development of mobile launcher platforms for fast deployment

Leveraging Existing Missile Defence Experience​

Project Kusha draws heavily from the technology base of India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) programme. Components and know-how from BMD systems are being reused to fast-track development. For instance, the M3 interceptor includes parts adapted from India’s Phase-I BMD missiles, enabling it to effectively neutralize high-value targets such as AWACS and electronic warfare aircraft.

This cross-utilization not only reduces cost but also shortens development timelines and enhances battlefield synergy across missile systems.

Operational Timeline and Cost-Effectiveness​

• Deployment Goal: Full operational capability is expected by 2028–2029.
• Cost: Around ₹21,700 crore (~$2.6 billion) for five squadrons, making it significantly more affordable than importing five S-400 units, which cost approximately $5.25 billion.

This affordability aligns perfectly with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative, making Kusha not just a military asset but a strategic economic choice.

Integration into India’s Air Defence Network​

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will lead the integration of Project Kusha into the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). It will operate seamlessly alongside other air defence systems like:

• Akash SAM
• Barak-8 (LR-SAM)
• S-400 Triumf

This multi-layered defence network ensures comprehensive coverage against low, medium, and high-altitude aerial threats, making India’s skies significantly safer.

Strategic Shield for the Future​

Project Kusha is more than a missile system—it’s a symbol of India’s defence transformation. With cutting-edge interceptors, AI-powered radar systems, and ambitions to counter hypersonic threats, Kusha will place India among the elite few nations capable of defending against next-generation aerial and missile warfare.

By building a system comparable to the S-500, India not only enhances its strategic deterrence but also sends a clear message: the future of Indian defence is indigenous, advanced, and unstoppable.


Posted on 2025-06-02 14:28:44

DRDO’s Project Kusha Phase II to Match S-500 Level Capabilities with Mach 7 Interceptor Missiles

India is taking a major leap in indigenous defence technology with nbsp Project Kusha an ambitious long-range air defence system developed by the Defence Research

www.thedefensenews.com

 

[Krishna with Flute]

DRDO’s Project Kusha Phase II to Match S-500 Level Capabilities with Mach 7 Interceptor Missiles​

India Defense

India is taking a major leap in indigenous defence technology with Project Kusha, an ambitious long-range air defence system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Aimed at achieving capabilities on par with Russia’s advanced S-400 Triumf and potentially even the S-500 Prometheus, Project Kusha is a vital step in enhancing India’s strategic autonomy and self-reliance in defence production.

A New Era in Indian Air Defence​

Project Kusha, also known as the Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS) or Programme Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (PGLRSAM), is designed to protect Indian airspace from a wide range of threats including stealth aircraft, ballistic missiles, and electronic warfare platforms. It fills the operational gap between India’s MR-SAM (Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile) with a range of 80 km and the S-400 system, which can strike targets up to 400 km away.

Three Powerful Interceptor Missiles​

At the heart of Kusha’s firepower are three types of interceptor missiles:

• M1: Range up to 150 km
• M2: Range up to 250 km
• M3: Range up to 350 km

These high-speed missiles are designed to intercept threats at Mach 7 speeds, enabling fast, agile response to modern aerial attacks. Each interceptor is tailored for different threat profiles—from fast-moving fighter jets to large targets like AWACS aircraft and ballistic missiles.

Advanced Specifications and Capabilities​

• Kill Vehicle Diameter:
  • M1 and M2: 250 mm
  • M3: 450 mm
• Propulsion: All three missiles use dual-pulse solid rocket motors with thrust vector control, allowing high maneuverability during engagement.
• Hit Probability:
  • Single missile: 85%
  • Two missiles in salvo: 98.5%
• Radar and Sensors:
  • Project Kusha will incorporate Swordfish Long Range Tracking Radar, upgraded to detect targets up to 1,500 km away.
  • It will also feature AI-driven fire control systems for faster response and coordinated interception.
• Surveillance Range: The system’s radars can scan and track airspace 500–600 km deep into enemy territory, giving early warning against cruise missiles, stealth aircraft, drones, and hypersonic glide vehicles.

Phase-II and Beyond: Eye on S-500 Capabilities​

The next stage of Project Kusha, referred to as Phase-II, aims to develop interceptors with ranges exceeding 400 km. These will target hypersonic weapons and next-generation ballistic threats, rivaling even the Russian S-500, which is designed to destroy hypersonic missiles and intercept targets at 600 km.

While technical details of Phase-II remain classified, its goals include:

• Defending against hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs)
• Integration with space-based early warning systems
• Development of mobile launcher platforms for fast deployment

Leveraging Existing Missile Defence Experience​

Project Kusha draws heavily from the technology base of India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) programme. Components and know-how from BMD systems are being reused to fast-track development. For instance, the M3 interceptor includes parts adapted from India’s Phase-I BMD missiles, enabling it to effectively neutralize high-value targets such as AWACS and electronic warfare aircraft.

This cross-utilization not only reduces cost but also shortens development timelines and enhances battlefield synergy across missile systems.

Operational Timeline and Cost-Effectiveness​

• Deployment Goal: Full operational capability is expected by 2028–2029.
• Cost: Around ₹21,700 crore (~$2.6 billion) for five squadrons, making it significantly more affordable than importing five S-400 units, which cost approximately $5.25 billion.

This affordability aligns perfectly with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative, making Kusha not just a military asset but a strategic economic choice.

Integration into India’s Air Defence Network​

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will lead the integration of Project Kusha into the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). It will operate seamlessly alongside other air defence systems like:

• Akash SAM
• Barak-8 (LR-SAM)
• S-400 Triumf

This multi-layered defence network ensures comprehensive coverage against low, medium, and high-altitude aerial threats, making India’s skies significantly safer.

Strategic Shield for the Future​

Project Kusha is more than a missile system—it’s a symbol of India’s defence transformation. With cutting-edge interceptors, AI-powered radar systems, and ambitions to counter hypersonic threats, Kusha will place India among the elite few nations capable of defending against next-generation aerial and missile warfare.

By building a system comparable to the S-500, India not only enhances its strategic deterrence but also sends a clear message: the future of Indian defence is indigenous, advanced, and unstoppable.


Posted on 2025-06-02 14:28:44

DRDO’s Project Kusha Phase II to Match S-500 Level Capabilities with Mach 7 Interceptor Missiles

India is taking a major leap in indigenous defence technology with nbsp Project Kusha an ambitious long-range air defence system developed by the Defence Research

www.thedefensenews.com

Great cost effectiveness. S 500 performance at a cost of less than half of the price of S400.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

China's S**T HQ 9, HQ 16, HQ 19 has displayed its dismal performance, and shot down with Drones. Now it is the time to liberate Tibet and East Turkistan.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

DRDO’s Masterstroke, develops missile shield that can destroy…, big worry for China, Pakistan, Bangladesh as India’s BMD system can foil…​

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a technology that can destroy enemy nuclear missiles in mid-air.​

Updated: June 5, 2025 1:31 PM IST

By Victor Dasgupta |Edited by Victor Dasgupta

New Delhi: In a major development that promises to boost India’s defense capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a technology that can destroy enemy nuclear missiles in mid-air. According to the reports, India has developed an indigenous Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system. This new technology will be able to neutralize missiles before they reach the ground, whether they are outside or within the atmosphere. If a nuclear missile is intercepted early, it eliminates the risk of radiation or a nuclear explosion.

During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Armed Forces demonstrated the strength of its indigenously developed weapons and technology. In this operation, India used its own missile systems, radars, and anti-drone weapons to successfully thwart enemy missile and drone attacks. To recall, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the nation after ‘Operation Sindoor’ had said that India will no longer give importance to Pakistan’s nuclear attack threats or blackmail.

What is the BMD system?​

The Ballistic Missile Defence system is a multi-layered defence mechanism consisting of two main components. The first level is the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD). This missile can destroy enemy missiles at altitudes of 50–80 km. The second one is the Advanced Air Defence (AAD). This missile can intercept and destroy enemy missiles at an altitude of 30 km.

Advantages of the BMD system​

• Enhanced defence capability: The BMD system significantly strengthens India’s defence posture.
• Deterrence: It forces the enemy to think twice before launching an attack.
• National security: The BMD system boosts the nation’s security and territorial integrity.

How does the BMD system work?​

The BMD system operates in multiple phases:

• Target detection: Radars and other sensors detect incoming enemy missiles.
• Target tracking and information: The Mission Control Centre receives the target information and prepares to launch the interceptor missile.
• Interceptor missile launch: The interceptor missile is launched towards the target.
• Target destruction: The interceptor missile neutralizes the incoming threat.

The indigenously developed interceptor missile AD-1, under the country’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system, is capable of destroying enemy missiles with a range of 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers even in their terminal phase (final stage). This clearly means that if a ballistic missile is heading towards India, the AD-1 can neutralize it within the atmosphere—before it can touch the ground.

Also Read:​

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https://www.india.com/news/world/pa...operation-sindoor-pakistan-air-force-7863859/​

 

[Sharma Ji]

Can we see a prototype or some kind of sketch of the system, TEL, Radar, replenishment truck and C&C etc ?

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Can we see a prototype or some kind of sketch of the system, TEL, Radar, replenishment truck and C&C etc ?

Watch AD1. ICBM Interceptor.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

When Chinese junk couldn't even intercept low cost drones, Project Kusha will intercept hypersonic glide vehicle as well. Difference in technology of genius Indian and copycat Chinese.