India to Test Three Kusha Missile Interceptors in Major Air Defence Boost

India’s indigenous Project Kusha, aimed at building a multi-layered anti-ballistic missile shield under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra, is gathering pace, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) set to test three long-range interceptor missiles over the next 12 months.

The DRDO on Thursday successfully carried out the maiden test of the Kusha M-1 interceptor, capable of engaging targets up to 120 km, off the Odisha coast. The next phase will include trials of the M-2 interceptor (150 km) and the M-3 interceptor (400 km).

Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in May 2022, Project Kusha has gained renewed priority following Operation Sindoor, during which Pakistan allegedly launched around 1,000 missiles and drones towards India. According to official accounts, the incoming threats were intercepted by India’s existing air defence network.

Multi-layered air defence

The M-1, M-2 and M-3 interceptors are designed as long-range surface-to-air missiles (LR-SAMs) that will bridge the capability gap between India’s medium-range air defence systems and the S-400 missile defence system.

Together, they are expected to form the backbone of India’s indigenous anti-ballistic missile shield, enhancing protection against enemy aircraft, missiles and drones.

Lessons from recent conflicts

Officials say Project Kusha received added momentum after Operation Sindoor and recent missile and drone warfare witnessed in the Iran-US conflict highlighted the growing importance of long-range air defence systems.

The project also includes the development of advanced long-range radar systems capable of detecting missile launches deep across borders, enabling quicker interception of aerial threats.

S-400 expansion

Alongside Project Kusha, India is expecting delivery of the fifth S-400 air defence system from Russia later this year. The government is also pursuing plans to procure five additional S-400 units under a buy-and-make framework, along with over 280 interceptor missiles, to further strengthen the country’s layered air defence architecture.

With Operation Sindoor still ongoing, India is continuing to enhance its long-range missile defence capabilities amid concerns over future cross-border missile and drone threats.