Kusha

Blog Credit: Trupti Thakur

Image Courtesy: Google

Project Kusha

The “interception capabilities” of the indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) system, being developed by DRDO under the ambitious Project Kusha, will be “comparable” to the formidable Russian S-400 Triumf air defense system.

It will be capable of detecting and destroying enemy projectiles and armor, including cruise missiles, stealth fighter jets, and drones at long range.

• ‘Project Kusha’ is set to provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a long-range air defense system, with deployment targeted for 2028-29.
• The ambitious indigenous project will be developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (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 350km, 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.

What is Iron Dome?

• It is Israel’s air missile defense system that 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.

Interceptor Missiles of Project Kusha

• At the heart of Project Kusha are three long-range Interceptor missiles, each serving as a critical component of India’s air defence system.
• These missiles will be engineered to possess ranges of 150km, 250km, and 350km, thereby providing a comprehensive shield against aerial threats.
• Furthermore, they are designed with a remarkable single-shot kill probability of at least 85%, offering a high level of confidence in their effectiveness.

Remarkable Features of Project Kusha

• One of the remarkable features of this air defence system is the ability to increase the probability of killing to a staggering 98.5%when two different missiles are launched sequentially, with a mere five-second gap.
• This dual-missile approach ensures a robust response to aerial threats, further enhancing the nation’s security.
• A pivotal aspect of Project Kusha is the development of long-range surveillance and fire control radars.
• These cutting-edge radars will possess the capability to scan airspace up to 500-600km deep into enemy territory, offering crucial strategic advantages.
• This capability empowers the Indian Air Force with the ability to monitor the entire Pakistani airspace and penetrate deep into the Tibetan plateau, where the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) airbases are strategically located.
• The air defence system is also set to incorporate a secondary very high-frequency (VHF) radar array, a key element in the project.
• VHF radar arrays are renowned for their superior detection capabilities against stealth platforms, significantly enhancing the system’s ability to identify and respond to aerial threats.

Why does India need Project Kusha?

• The need for such a project is quite high in current times with threats emerging from neighbourhood countries like Pakistan and China.The latter also uses Russia’s S-400 missile system and has deployed several missile batteries across the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• China has also accelerated the production of indigenous defence capabilities to strengthen its military. Although they are considered less capable than the S-400, nevertheless they represent a serious threat to India. Considering that China can fire missiles at India, it is pertinent that New Delhi arm itself with state-of-the-art air defence systems.
• India’s relations with China have nosedived following the Galwan Valley dispute in 2020,marking the most serious military conflict between both sides. India and China’s strained relationship has been fueled by recent Chinese provocations, including releasing the 2023 edition of its “standard map”, staking a claim over Arunachal Pradesh, Aksai Chin region and denial of visas to Indian athletes in the Hangzhou Asian Games.
• Another thing to be taken into consideration is that China is an ‘all-weather friend’ to Pakistan, and might help Islamabad to strengthen the latter’s defence capabilities to be used against India.
• Faced with the challenges, ‘Project Kusha’ is another effort by India in deterrence against a two-front conflict.

 

 

Blog By: Trupti Thakur