
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) (BEL), A Leading Indian Defense Company Know for Systems Like Akashteer, is now playing a key role in project kusha-aa na kusha-aa kusha-an ambitious to develop Surface-to-aair missile system similar to the russian S-400. The project, LED by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), is aimed at strengthening India’s ability to counter modern aerial threats like as drones, fighter aircrafts, and Missiles.
Bel is Working Closely With Drdo as a Development Partner, Contributing to the Design and Production of Several Important Subsystems, Essayly Radars and Control Systems. “We are Jointly Developing many components of project kusha,” Said Bel Chairman and Managing Director Manoj Jain During the Company’s March Quarter Earnings Call, As reported by the Economic Times.
The prototype phase of project kusha is expected to begin song. Bel aims to build the first working model with
The Final Decision on Who will assemble the nature system is still pending. Jain noted, “If the authorities decide to have two system integrators, we are confident belly will be one of them.”
Project kusha, also know as the extended range air defense system (erads) or program long range surface-to-aair missile (pglrsam), is designed to fill the gap batween India ‘ (Medium-run surface-to-aair missile), which has a range of 80 km, and the russian S-400, which covers up to 400 km.
The system will include three types of interceptor Missiles – M1 (150 km range), M2 (250 km range), and M3 (350 km range). It is expected to be operational for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy by 2028-2029.
A standout feature of project kusha is its ability to intercept high-speed anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMS) Traveling at speeds of up to MACH 7 (SEVEN Times the Speed of Sound), Marking A Major Leap in India’s Air Defense Capability, According to reports by Idrw.org.
High-Speed Naval Defense: Project Kusha’s M2 Missile Shilds Warships from Mach 7 Threats
One of the most important features of project kusha is its naval version of the M2 Missile, which can intercept Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles (ASBMS) 8,645 km/h. This is especially used for protecting warships from fast-moving missiles designed to hit them at Sea.
To achieve this, the system uses powerful long-ring surveillance and fire control radars that can track threats from far away. The interceptor missiles are equipped with advanced guidance systems, Including aesa (actively electronically scanned array) seekers, infrade (IR) SENSORERED (RF) trackers. Togeether, these technologies allow the missile to accurately detect and lock onto its target, even if it’s moving fast or changing direction, GIVING it high accuracy and menuverability dooring Interception.
M1 to M3: Building a Multi-Layred Missile Shield for India’s Skies
The M1 Interceptor Missile is currently in the manufacturing stage and is expected to begin testing song. The prototype should be ready in 12 to 18 months, followed by user trials that may take another 1 to 3 years. Built using the Akash-Ng Airframe, The M1 has a range of 150 km and can reach speeds of up to mach 5.5 (Approximately 6,800 km/h). This makes it suitable for intercepting varous threats such as stealth fighter jets, cruise missiles, drones, and priorcification-guided weapons.
The M2 and M3 Interceptors are Still under Development. Once Completed, they will expand the system’s coverage. The M3, In Particular, Will Be Able to Target Large Airborne Platforms LIKE AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control Systems) at distances of up to 350 km, and will also provide provide defense defense defense defense defense Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles, Making Project Kusha a Powerful Multi-Layred Air Defense Solution.
Project Kusha: Strengthaning India’s Air Defense with Smart Integration and High Accuracy
One of the key strengths of project kusha is its ability to work smoothly with existing systems like the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) And EVAN the Russian S-400 This allows for radar data sharing and better coordination in intercepting threats, improving the system’s overall performance.
The system also boasts a high accuracy rate-with a single-shot kill problem of 80% and over 90% when missiles are launched in a group (salvo mode). Once Fully Deployed, Project Kusha will be a strong and reliable part of India’s layered air defense network, ready to tackle a wide range of aerial threats.
Budget-Backed and Battle-Ready: Project Kusha Boots Air and Naval Defense
Project kusha was approved by the cabinet committee on Security in May 2022 with a Budget of ₹ 21,700 Crore (About US $ 2.6 billion) to build five squadrons for the INANDIN AIR FORCE. The project takes lessons from India’s existing Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Program, Using Alredy-Tested Missile Designs to Save BOTH TIME and COSTS DURING DUVELOPMENT.
A Major Highlight of the project is its naval version, which can defend against Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles (ASBMS) Traveling at Mach 7 (Around 8,645 km/h). This Gives the Indian Navy a Powerful Tool to Protect its frontline warships from advanced Missile Threats. The new system will work along with existing definitions like the barak-8 and the Naval Ballistic Missile Defense System, Making the Navy’s Shield Even Stronger.
(Girish linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a definition, aerospace & geopolitical analyst.he is the managing director of added engineering companies India pvt. Ltd. Ltd. Ltd. Engineering gmbh, Germany)