Project Kusha

Context

The Ministry of Defence has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the indigenous development of the Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (LR-SAM) defense system.

About Project Kusha:

1. The initiative falls under the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and targets operational readiness by 2028-29.
2. India currently relies on Russia's S-400 air defense systems to protect its airspace.
3. The system's goal is to identify and neutralize diverse threats, such as stealth fighters, aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles within a 350 km range.
4. The LR-SAM system will consist of three layers of surface-to-air missiles, each tailored for engaging targets at various distances.

Significance of LR-SAM Defense System:

1. Enhanced Security: The LR-SAM system bolsters India's defense capabilities by detecting and neutralizing a wide range of threats, safeguarding its airspace against evolving challenges.
2. Strategic Independence: Developing indigenous defense systems like LR-SAM reduces reliance on foreign suppliers, ensuring self-sufficiency in critical security infrastructure.
3. Versatility in Threat Response: With the ability to engage diverse threats, including stealth fighters, aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles, the LR-SAM system provides comprehensive protection for India's airspace.

LR-SAM Defense Systems around the world

USA	1.THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) - USA: Advanced missile defense system designed to intercept and destroy short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. 2.Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3) - USA: Part of the Patriot missile system, designed to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft.
Israel	Barak 8 : Long-range surface-to-air missile system designed to defend against airborne threats, including aircraft, helicopters, and drones.
Russia	S-400 Triumf : Versatile air defense system with the capability to intercept a wide range of aerial threats at various altitudes and ranges.
Italy/France	Aster 30 -European air defense missile system capable of intercepting and destroying a variety of targets, including ballistic missiles and aircraft.
China	HQ-9/FD-2000: Chinese long-range air defense system with anti-ballistic missile capabilities, providing defense against various airborne threats.

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