CHANDIPUR, ODISHA — In a major leap forward for sovereign aerospace defence capability, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted critical flight-test validations of the indigenous Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) system under the classified Project Kusha. Conducted from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) off the Odisha coastline, the trials verified supersonic target acquisition, mid-course datalink guidance, and terminal homing against high-speed aerial drones replicating cruise missile profiles.
Sanctioned by the Cabinet Committee on Security with an initial allocation exceeding ₹21,700 crore, Project Kusha establishes India as one of a select few global nations capable of engineering an integrated, multi-tiered theatre air defence umbrella.
Multi-Layered Interceptor Architecture
Project Kusha is designed around a three-tier missile canister architecture, ensuring graduated interception across varying threat envelopes:
- Tier 1 (150-km Interceptor): Optimized for point-defence against low-flying supersonic anti-ship missiles, precision-guided glide bombs, and autonomous loitering drone swarms.
- Tier 2 (250-km Interceptor): Targeted at standoff tactical fighter aircraft, airborne early warning assets, and electronic intelligence platforms.
- Tier 3 (350-km Interceptor): Heavy long-range interceptor capable of engaging high-altitude stealth bombers, aerial refuelling tankers, and intermediate ballistic missile warheads in their terminal descent.
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Gallium-Nitride AESA Sensor Suite and Electronic Warfare Hardening
The eyes of the Kusha battery consist of an indigenous multi-function radar (MFR) developed by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE). Utilizing cutting-edge Gallium-Nitride (GaN) semiconductor transmit-receive modules, the radar detects low-radar-cross-section (RCS) stealth targets at extended distances exceeding 400 kilometers.
The system operates in environments heavily saturated with active enemy electronic jamming, utilizing automated frequency hopping and digital beamforming algorithms to maintain target lock throughout the missile’s terminal flight phase.
Integration with IAF’s Central Nervous System
Crucially, Project Kusha is not an isolated platform; it integrates natively into the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). Through secure satellite datalinks, Kusha batteries cross-cue target data with Russian S-400 Triumf units, indigenous Akash-NG batteries, and naval surface combatants, ensuring seamless fire-control coordination across northern and western operational sectors.
