Latest news with #ProjectKusha
India.com
19 hours ago
- Business
- India.com
India's ‘Desi S-400' is Coming: Why Project Kusha Could Be A Game-Changer In Missile Defence
New Delhi: India is building a homegrown missile shield that may redefine its battlefield advantage. It has been named as Project Kusha. Designed to detect and destroy threats from drones, fighter jets, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles at ranges up to 350 km, this ambitious programme could give India a 'Made-in-India' answer to the Russian S-400 and a strong counter to both regional and global threats. While India already operates the Russian-built S-400 missile defence system, the wars of the future demand more than just foreign imports. Countries now need constant readiness and technological independence. That is where Kusha steps in. Back in May 2022, India gave the green light to a major defence initiative – one that is quietly reshaping the country's air defence game. Known named as the Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS), it is being developed by India's DRDO in partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries. Kusha is built around three layers of long-range surface-to-air missiles – which can take down enemy threats from as far as 150 km, 250 km and even 350 km away. These missiles come packed with cutting-edge features like dual-pulse motors and thrust vectoring that allow them to home in on targets with impressive precision – whether it is a hostile missile, a stealth drone or a fast-moving jet. Reports suggest that it can take down fighter-sized targets at 250 km and large aircraft at 350 km. In single-shot scenarios, its success rate is projected to be no less than 80%, going up to 90% in salvo launches. That puts it firmly in the league of elite global air defence systems but with one difference – it is Made in India. Expected to be ready by 2028 or 2029, the Kusha system is set to become India's frontline shield in the sky. It is designed to protect the country from both traditional air attacks and emerging aerial threats like drones and cruise missiles. Once it is fully in place, India will join an elite club of nations, alongside the United States, Russia and China, that have built their own long-range air defence systems from the ground up. But it will not work in isolation. It is designed to seamlessly integrate with India's current air defence assets like the Akash, Barak-8 and even the S-400, forming a formidable and unified multi-layered air defence network. The comparison with Israel's vaunted Iron Dome is inevitable. While it can intercept short-range threats up to 70 km away, Kusha boasts a range five times greater. Even the American Patriot system, which maxes out at 110 km, falls short of Kusha's reach. The system's long-range tracking radar will spot threats 350 km away, giving Indian forces a decisive early warning and strike capability. Another huge plus? It is entirely Indian-built – enhancing national security, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers and aligning with the government's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self reliant India) vision. Project Kusha's introduction may mark a paradigm shift in India's military posture. At a time when aerial warfare is evolving rapidly and threats from hostile drones, stealth fighters and hypersonic missiles are becoming the norm, it promises to be India's answer to the battlefield of tomorrow.
India.com
4 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Bad News for Pakistan, China as India working on major defence projects, including 5th generation fighter jet and...
Bad News for Pakistan, China as India working on major defence projects, including 5th generation fighter jet and… India Showcases Defence Might: In recent years, India's defence industry has grown tremendously, and the country has emerged as one of the major weapon exporters. India exported weapons and equipment worth Rs 23,622 crore in the Financial Year 2024–25. Now, this weapon export is expected to rise following th recent face-off with neighbouring Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. The government has prioritised both increasing defence exports and domestic manufacturing (Make in India). During Operation Sindoor against terrorists and Pakistani aggression, India used several indigenous weapons including drones. India is now further advancing several defence projects to enhance its military capabilities, achieving self-reliance. Here are the five major upcoming defence initiatives: Project Kusha India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), is developing Project Kusha, a long-range surface-to-air missile system. This ambitious project aims to create a system comparable to Russia's S-400 and S-500, with interceptor missiles boasting ranges of 150km, 250km, and 350km. Project 77 India's Project 77 aims to significantly enhance its naval power by building six nuclear-powered attack submarines. The government has authorized the construction of the initial two vessels at a Visakhapatnam shipyard. These submarines, powered by 190 MW pressurized light-water reactors, are projected to become operational by the mid-2030s. FRCV Battle Tank The Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program, also called Project Ranjeet, focusses to build a next-generation main battle tank to replace old T-72 fleet of the Indian Army. As many as 1,770 units have been planned for induction in three phases. This new platform will underpin the development of several vehicle types, such as bridge-laying tanks, self-propelled artillery, and combat engineering vehicles. .//////////////////////////////// This project involves the construction of advanced stealth guided-missile frigates which will be inducted to the Indian Navy. 7 to 8 frigates will be built for the Navy. The war ship will have enhanced firepower, indigenous radar systems, and improved stealth capabilities. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers are the top companies vying to construct new vessels for the Indian Navy, a project anticipated to substantially enhance India's naval capabilities. Agni-BrahMos Duo India's investment in defence infrastructure development, encompassing indigenous projects and strategic partnerships, signals a commitment to bolstering its military capabilities. This progress, including advancements in BrahMos and Agni missile technology, is likely to be closely observed by regional rivals such as China and Pakistan.
India.com
5 days ago
- Business
- India.com
New War Machines Incoming: Indias Upcoming Weapons Set To Redraw Regional Power Lines vs China-Pak Axis
photoDetails english 2909159 Updated:Jun 01, 2025, 09:52 AM IST Testing Military Might 1 / 7 In the recent Operation Sindoor against terrorists and Pakistani aggression, the indigenous weapons included air defence system and drones. India is advancing several major defence projects to enhance its military capabilities and achieve greater self-reliance. Here are five significant upcoming defence initiatives: 1. Project Kusha 2 / 7 Project Kusha is an ambitious program by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop a long-range surface-to-air missile system, comparable to the Russian S-400 or S-500. The system will feature multiple interceptor variants with ranges of 150 km (M1), 250 km (M2), and 350 km (M3). Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is collaborating with DRDO on this project. 2. Project 77 3 / 7 Under Project 77, India plans to construct six nuclear-powered attack submarines to bolster its underwater combat capabilities. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the construction of the first two submarines, which will be built at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam. These submarines will feature a 190 MW pressurized light-water reactor and are expected to be inducted into service by the mid-2030s. 3. Fifth-Gen Jet 4 / 7 India's Defence Ministry has approved the development of a fifth-generation twin-engine stealth fighter jet to modernize the Indian Air Force's fleet. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will lead the project, seeking industry partners for prototyping. This initiative aims to enhance India's air combat capabilities amid regional tensions and reduce reliance on foreign aircraft. 4. FRCV Battle Tank 5 / 7 The Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program, also known as Project Ranjeet, aims to develop a next-generation main battle tank to replace the Indian Army's aging T-72 fleet. Approximately 1,770 units are planned for induction in three phases. The new platform will serve as a base for various variants, including bridge-laying tanks, self-propelled artillery, and combat engineering vehicles. 5. Project 17B Stealth Frigates 6 / 7 Project 17B involves the construction of 7 to 8 advanced stealth guided-missile frigates for the Indian Navy. These ships will feature enhanced firepower, indigenous radar systems, and improved stealth capabilities. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) are the leading contenders for building these vessels, which are expected to significantly boost India's maritime strength. Agni-BrahMos Duo 7 / 7 These projects reflect India's commitment to strengthening its defence infrastructure through Indigenous development and strategic collaborations. While India is also working on the next generation of Brahmos and Agni missiles, rivals like China and Pakistan will be monitoring the developments closely.
India.com
6 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Project Kusha: Indias Indigenous S-400-Style Air Defence System To Be Ready Soon
Taking a giant leap towards self-sufficiency in defense technology, India is designing a locally developed long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system similar to Russia's S-400 under Project Kusha, an all-India collaborative project by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The native system is being developed to resemble the performance of the Russian-produced S-400 Triumph, which had lately come into action during Operation Sindoor, when Indian military forces were able to intercept more than 300 Pakistani drones and missile attacks following terror activities from the other side of the border. Project Kusha Timeline And Scope As per The Economic Times, the indigenous system's prototype is likely to be completed within the next 12 to 18 months. The user trials could then be stretched over 12 to 36 months to test operational effectiveness. BEL, one of the main defence PSUs that is engaged in air defence systems such as Akashteer, is also developing essential subsystems of Project Kusha, such as advanced control systems and radar technologies. BEL Chairman and Managing Director Manoj Jain replied on the March quarterly earnings call that the company is waiting to hear regarding the choice of a system integrator and would like to be among them if two are chosen by the government. NDTV Profit said Project Kusha had the potential to yield a Rs 40,000 crore defence order, making it a flagship project of India's missile defence capabilities. S-400 Triumph Still Relevant India had signed a USD 5.4 billion deal with Russia to buy five S-400 systems in 2018. So far, three have arrived, while the fourth is due next year and the fifth will come in 2026. Meanwhile, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will travel to Moscow from May 27 to 29 to attend the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues. He will be required to advocate for the early delivery of the rest of the S-400 systems. BEL's Other Defence Projects Besides Project Kusha, BEL is also undertaking the QRSAM system's development. Negotiations are on to close its contract, and a specialized team has been constituted to complete the project, which is likely to create orders worth Rs 30,000 crore. "We are the production agency for QRSAM, so the order will come to BEL," Jain stated. Operation Sindoor: Air Defence In Action During Operation Sindoor, India struck back at the April 22 terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam—which killed 26 people—by carrying out precision attacks on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Indian Air Force had fielded the S-400 system along with local missile defences such as Akash, Samar, Barak-8, and anti-drone capabilities through the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). The S-400 system's superior radar and engagement capabilities made it capable of countering aerial threats up to 400 km away, reiterating its strategic value. As India keeps ramping up its defence readiness in the face of regional security threats, Project Kusha is a key step towards indigenisation and technology independence in air defence. The success of this indigenous S-400 substitute has the potential to radically change India's strategic independence in missile defence capabilities.
India.com
23-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
More bad news for Pakistan and China as India's latest indigenous aerial defence system..., it is as lethal as...
New Delhi: Recently, during military clashes with Pakistan, the Indian defense system worked excellently, destroying all drones and missiles sent by Pakistan and thwarting the Pakistani attack. The Russian S-400 successfully neutralized Pakistani drones in mid-air, failing the attack. Now, India is working on developing its own indigenous missile defense system which will be developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a major defense sector company that manufactures air defense systems like Akash. BEL is engaged in creating an indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile system under Project Kusha, similar to the S-400. According to the report, the company's goal is to complete the prototype within 12 to 18 months, after which user testing will take place, which can last from 12 to 36 months. The Kusha project is being led by DRDO and aims to create a system that can counter various aerial threats such as drones, aircraft, and missiles. A statement from the Chairman and Managing Director of BEL Manoj Jain said 'we are development partners with DRDO and are jointly creating multiple systems for Kusha'. He mentioned that it mainly involves the development of various types of radars and control systems. Apart from Project Kusha, BEL is also working on the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system. The company expects to receive orders worth 30,000 crore rupees for this project, which will meet the joint needs of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. The Akash missile system developed by BEL has garnered attention with its outstanding performance and recent success. Akash is an air defense control and reporting system specially developed for the Indian Armed Forces. It enables real-time monitoring and engagement of multiple aerial targets and integrates a wide range of sensors and weapon systems within a single framework.
