Project Kusha : 3 Jan, 2023

Key Points:

• Goal: To deploy a long-range air defense system by 2028-29.
• Aim: Develop India’s own Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (LR-SAM).
• Collaboration: Joint development with Israel Aerospace Industries, a leading Israeli aerospace manufacturer.
• Capability: Designed to target hostile entities at ranges of 150 km, 250 km, and 350 km.

Features:

• The LR-SAM system will be a mobile platform.
• Equipped with long-range surveillance and fire control radars.
• Intended to create a three-layered defense system.
• Capable of detecting and destroying stealth fighters, aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions.
• Integration: Will be capable of interfacing with the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) used by the Indian Air Force (IAF)

Why in News:

• Project Kusha is being undertaken by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India.