India’s Project Kusha, an indigenous long-range air defence missile system being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is expected to reduce the country’s dependence on imported air defence platforms such as Russia’s S-400 in the future.
According to DRDO experts, Project Kusha is designed to provide advanced protection against fighter aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missile threats at long ranges. Once operational, it will strengthen India’s multi-layered air defence network while enhancing operational flexibility for the armed forces.
The project is a key part of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing. By developing a homegrown long-range air defence system with advanced interception capabilities, India aims to build greater strategic autonomy, reduce import dependence and expand its indigenous defence technology ecosystem.
