Scale models of the Project Kusha Air Defence System with three distinct SAMs vary from 120 to 350 km. The Mach 5.5 IR+RF seeker, which included a customised Kill Vehicle, was on show at the current Aero India 2025.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing Project Kusha, an Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS), also known as XRSAM or PGLRSAM, which is intended to be a transportable, long-range surface-to-air missile system. It is expected to be deployed by the Indian Air Force and Navy in 2028-2029.
The system is intended to detect and destroy approaching stealth fighters, aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and precision-guided bombs at distances of up to 350 km. Its goal is to offer dependable area air defence with a high single-shot kill probability.
The missile system will include at least three types of interceptor missiles with ranges of 150, 250, and 350 km.
The system would have long-range surveillance and fire control radars, and its firing units will be compatible with the Indian Air Force’s integrated air command and control system.
Project Kusha is designed to enhance the Indo-Israeli Barak 8, the Russian S-400, and India’s Ballistic Missile Defence System. It is projected to equal or exceed the capabilities of systems such as Russia’s S-400 and Israel’s Iron Dome.
The project was sanctioned for development in May 2022 and awarded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) in September 2023 to procure five squadrons for the Indian Air Force at a cost of ₹21,700 crore (US$2.5 billion).
As of August 2024, DRDO began manufacturing the 5-M1 missiles (with a range of 150 km) and had placed orders for airframes, rocket motors, kill vehicles, and transceivers, with testing set to begin in early 2025.
The system’s missiles are projected to reach Mach 5.5, employ an IR+RF seeker, and have a specific kill vehicle.
