DRDO Seeks Private Sector Partnership to Build Mobile Launchers for Project Kusha's Long-Range M2 and M3 Interceptors

In a significant move to enhance India's air defence and promote indigenous manufacturing, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has invited private Indian companies to participate in the development of a Mobile Launcher System for its advanced long-range interceptor missiles.

The tender is specifically for the M2 and M3 missiles, which are key components of the ambitious 'Project Kusha'.

This initiative is a crucial step under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' policy, aiming to build a self-reliant and robust domestic defence industrial base.

The involvement of the private sector is expected to accelerate the development and production of this critical military hardware.

Project Kusha, also known as the Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS), is India’s flagship programme to create a homegrown long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) system.

It is designed to establish a multi-layered air defence shield, capable of neutralising a wide array of aerial threats far from the country's borders.

The system's mobility is vital for operational success, as truck-based launchers provide the flexibility for rapid deployment to strategic locations and increase the system's survivability against enemy attacks.

The project features a three-tiered interceptor missile system:

• M1: With a range of 150 km.
• M2: Capable of striking targets up to 250 km away.
• M3: The longest-range variant, designed to intercept threats at a distance of 350 to 400 km.

This system is being developed to strategically fill the gap between the existing Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM), which has a range of approximately 80 km, and the imported Russian S-400 Triumf system, which can engage targets up to 400 km.

Once deployed, Project Kusha will provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy with a formidable defence against sophisticated threats such as stealth fighter jets, drones, cruise missiles, and even high-speed anti-ship ballistic missiles.

The system is engineered for a high single-shot kill probability of over 80%.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved Project Kusha in May 2022. This was followed by the Ministry of Defence granting an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) in September 2023 for the procurement of five squadrons for the IAF, at an estimated cost of ₹21,700 crore (approximately US$2.6 billion).

The development is being spearheaded by DRDO's premier laboratories, including the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Research Centre Imarat (RCI), with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) serving as a primary development partner.

According to the project timeline, the first trials for the M1 interceptor are anticipated in September 2025, with tests for the more advanced M2 and M3 variants scheduled for 2026 and 2027, respectively.

The complete system is expected to be inducted and operational between 2028 and 2030, marking a major milestone in India's journey toward strategic defence independence.

 

[indigenous_29]

BMD1/2 + Kusha + Akash + Barak 8 + S400 + S500(if possible) - Indian airspace would become like Wakanda.

 

[PrasannaBJN]

Fantastic. This is Best News i hear after so many years.. We are really doing Good at Missiles, Missile defences . Now we need to focus on Inducting Fighter jets and Delopment of Fighter engine on priority. Also from Navy perspective, we need more Submarines and ICBMS..

 

[Vishwanath Vijay Thomre]

Fantastic. This is Best News i hear after so many years.. We are really doing Good at Missiles, Missile defences . Now we need to focus on Inducting Fighter jets and Delopment of Fighter engine on priority. Also from Navy perspective, we need more Submarines and ICBMS..

Missile development has been our core competence. Thanks to our Missile man Dr. Kalamji. It is said Kusha will be equivalent to S400, it will be nice if we develop superior than S500 system as this will be real game changer in long run.

 

[Anonymus]

If that's true, then maybe the 2028 timeline can be achieved for Kusha ADS.

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

If that's true, then maybe the 2028 timeline can be achieved for Kusha ADS.

Kusha's test can be completed by 2029, but it will still take time for production and then induction into the armed forces. That is why India should go for a few more S-400 squadrons.

 

[Sandeep]

This is a very important and critical project that we should 100% indigenously design, develop and manufacture. We will definitely need to manufacture more than just 5 squadrons as it can’t cover both of the very long border against China and Pakistan.

Ideally we should order at least 15-20 squadrons as once they have been deployed it gives a permanent defence to that area 24/7 which a jet can’t do as it needs to refuel, undergo servicing and pilots can’t fly for very long hours either.

We can definitely develop a canister with these SAM very easily from the government or private sector companies. The canister can maintain the missiles in very good condition and for a very long period of time which leaves maintenance and upkeep very cheap, easy and mainly non existent.

 

[Python]

Kusha's test can be completed by 2029, but it will still take time for production and then induction into the armed forces. That is why India should go for a few more S-400 squadrons.

Tests will be completed by 2027 and will be inducted in 2028-29. Also, Russia will deliver those (if a new order is placed) mostly after 2027.