India’s ‘Project Kusha’ Aims to Build Indigenous S-400-Like Air Defence System, Prototype Expected Soon

New Delhi: India is stepping up its air defence capabilities with Project Kusha, an ambitious initiative to develop a homegrown long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, comparable to Russia’s advanced S-400. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a key defence public sector enterprise, is spearheading the project and expects to have a working prototype ready within 12 to 18 months.

Following the prototype’s development, extensive user trials will be conducted, which may span an additional 12 to 36 months, according to sources familiar with the programme.

Project Kusha aims to significantly enhance India’s indigenous air defence infrastructure by offering a multi-layered, long-range interception system capable of detecting and neutralizing aerial threats across large regions. The system is envisioned to be a core component of India’s future integrated air defence network.

BEL Also Advancing QRSAM Development

In parallel, BEL is progressing on the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system, designed for rapid deployment and short-range interception. The QRSAM project is expected to attract orders worth approximately ₹30,000 crore, fulfilling the combined operational needs of the Indian Army and Air Force.

The development of Project Kusha is influenced in part by India’s experience with the S-400 Triumf missile defence system, acquired from Russia. The S-400 has bolstered India’s layered air defence strategy by providing long-range early warning and rapid-response interception against aerial threats. Its operational success has spurred momentum for indigenous alternatives to reduce dependence on foreign systems.

With the ongoing work under Project Kusha and QRSAM, India is poised to strengthen its self-reliance in critical defence technologies and advance its position as a regional security leader.