Background
Project Kusha—also referred to as the Program Long Range Surface to Air Missile (PGLRSAM)—is an indigenous initiative spearheaded by the DRDO to bolster India’s long-range air defence capabilities. Approved in 2022, it carries a significant budget outlay of ₹21,700 crore. Static GK fact: India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation was established in 1958 and operates under the Ministry of Defence.
Phase 1 Scope
Phase 1 of the project focuses on the development of four interceptor variants:
- M1 with a range of approximately 150 km
- M2 boasting a 250 km range
- M3 with extended reach of 350–400 km
- A dedicated naval variant covering 200–300 km
Static GK fact: India’s first home-grown missile, ‘Prithvi’, was inducted in the early 1990s and laid the groundwork for subsequent indigenous systems.
Each interceptor variant is tailored for specific threat envelopes, ensuring layered air defence coverage.
Phase 2 Objectives
Phase 2 of Project Kusha aims at pushing the envelope further by designing an interceptor missile with range exceeding 600 km. This would significantly enhance national air-space denial capabilities and serve as a strategic asset in multi-domain air defence.
Static GK Tip: India is a nuclear-armed triad nation, having demonstrated a credible second-strike capability through its sea-based ballistic missile submarine INS Arihant.
Strategic Significance
Project Kusha represents a critical leap toward self-reliance in defence technology. Developing these interceptors domestically strengthens India’s strategic deterrence posture and aligns with the nation’s broader Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
The tiered architecture—from M1 through M3, including the naval platform—enables flexible deployment across diverse geographies. The envisioned 600+ km interceptor could potentially counter high-altitude threats deep beyond Indian airspace.
Static GK Tip: Make in India, launched in 2014, is a flagship initiative to boost indigenous manufacturing, including in the defence sector.
Project Trajectory
With Operation Sindoor setting a prior operational mandate, the IAF is pressing for rapid progress on Project Kusha. Timely completion of Phase 1 is essential to validate the technology and pave the way for Phase 2.
Successful execution would mark a milestone in indigenous strategic air defence and contribute to a credible deterrence framework for India.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Project Kusha:
| Topic | Detail |
| Project Name | Project Kusha (PGLRSAM) |
| Approval Year | 2022 |
| Budget Outlay | ₹21,700 crore |
| Developing Agency | DRDO |
| Phase 1 Variants | M1 (150 km), M2 (250 km), M3 (350–400 km), Naval (200–300 km) |
| Phase 2 Goal | Develop interceptor with range > 600 km |
| Strategic Impact | Strengthens long-range air defence and supports Make in India initiatives |
