Project Kusha Missile Launchers to Boast Two Distinct Canister Designs with Shock Dampers, Smart Slides for Enhanced Performance

India's indigenous long-range air defence system, known as Project Kusha, is making significant progress with the finalisation of two highly specialised canister designs for its missile launchers.

According to recently revealed tender documents, these advanced canisters are engineered to house three different types of interceptor missiles, enhancing the system's operational flexibility and durability.

This development marks a crucial step in India's ambition to create a homegrown air defence shield comparable to world-class systems like Russia’s S-400.

Project Kusha, officially the Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS), is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It aims to provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy with a mobile, long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.

The project, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security in May 2022, received its Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) in September 2023 for five IAF squadrons at a cost of ₹21,700 crore (approximately US$2.6 billion).

The system is designed to intercept a wide array of aerial threats, including stealth fighters, drones, cruise missiles, and high-speed anti-ship ballistic missiles. To achieve this, Project Kusha will employ three interceptor missile variants: the M1 (150 km range), M2 (250 km range), and the M3 (350–400 km range). With initial trials for the M1 missile scheduled for September 2025, the new canister designs are vital for the system's upcoming deployment.

Canister Type-1: Protection for Tactical Engagements​

The first canister type is exclusively designed for the M1 interceptor missile. This missile, intended for engagements with targets like fighter jets and cruise missiles, is reported to have a kill probability of over 80% with a single shot.

To ensure the M1 missile's reliability, its canister is equipped with special mechanical dampers and isolators. These components act as shock absorbers, protecting the missile’s sensitive internal parts, such as its dual-pulse rocket motor and warhead, from damage caused by vibrations during transportation and the intense forces of launch.

The canister's compact and lightweight design, likely using materials like fibre-reinforced plastic or aluminium alloys, is optimised for road-mobile launchers, allowing for rapid deployment.

Canister Type-2: A Versatile Design for Long-Range Interceptors​

The second canister design showcases a more versatile and innovative approach, built to carry both the M2 (250 km) and M3 (350-400 km) missiles. These longer-range interceptors are tasked with neutralising high-value targets like airborne command posts (AWACS) and powerful ballistic missiles.

Constructed from advanced composite materials for a balance of strength and reduced weight, this canister’s standout feature is an adjustable sliding mechanism.

Since the M2 and M3 missiles use boosters of different lengths, their weight distribution and centre of gravity differ. The smart sliding format allows the internal supports of the canister to be repositioned to securely accommodate either missile, ensuring stability and launch precision.

This innovative design eliminates the need for two separate canister types, which simplifies logistics, reduces production costs, and increases operational flexibility for armed forces. The canister interior is also lined with rubber or felt for extra cushioning.

Strengthening India's Air Defence Network​

The Indian Air Force will be the primary operator of Project Kusha, with plans to deploy eight squadrons between 2028 and 2030.

The system will be fully integrated into the IAF's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), a centralised network that combines inputs from various radars, including the long-range surveillance radars acquired with the S-400 system.

This integration will provide a comprehensive picture of the airspace, enabling robust detection and engagement of threats.

Furthermore, the Indian Navy plans to equip its next-generation warships with the M1 and M2 missile variants, significantly boosting maritime air defence capabilities against threats like China’s DF-21D "carrier-killer" missile.

The advanced engineering of the Project Kusha system and its sophisticated canister technology represents a major leap forward in India's journey toward self-reliance in critical defence technology.

 

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[R. Singh]

We also need Kusha-II with M4 interceptor 450-600 Km) and M5 (650-850 km) and its Navy version !

 

[sanket]

Nice, DRDO is doing a wonderful job; it is costing half the price of the S-400.

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

It is still years away and will not become a reality before 2030-31, and it will take more time to fully induct. So, India should buy two or three more S-400 regiments to safeguard our border. We have seen how the Iranian missiles targeted Israel, which has one of the best air defence systems. Pakistan has a large arsenal of missiles, so a few more S-400 systems are necessary.

 

[Ngorno karabakh]

It is still years away and will not become a reality before 2030-31, and it will take more time to fully induct. So, India should buy two or three more S-400 regiments to safeguard our border. We have seen how the Iranian missiles targeted Israel, which has one of the best air defence systems. Pakistan has a large arsenal of missiles, so a few more S-400 systems are necessary.

Should be made sure that we don't go for S-500, as S-400 will suffice. One is already delivering next year.

 

[Vishwanath Thomre]

Great, looks like the project is on line. Let's hope this gets inducted as per the timelines provided. This should lessen the dependence on S-400. I hope we increase the radar range and somehow bring it close to S-500. Also, if possible, increase the M3 missile range as well; we have expertise in missile technology.

 

[Defender]

Should be made sure that we don't go for S-500, as S-400 will suffice. One is already delivering next year.

But the S-500 is better than the S-400 in every way. So I think we should go for the S-500; the Russians even offered us co-development of the S-500.

 

[Ngorno karabakh]

But the S-500 is better than the S-400 in every way. So I think we should go for the S-500; the Russians even offered us co-development of the S-500.

We're already developing our indigenous Project Kusha, which is going to be a very capable AD system. S-500 is not our need; that's why we should skip it.

 

[Parveen Gahlot]

We're already developing our indigenous Project Kusha, which is going to be a very capable AD system. S-500 is not our need; that's why we should skip it.

Our project Kusha is close to S-400, not S-500.

 

[Parveen Gahlot]

MoD is also looking for 3-4 more S-400 systems after delivery of the remaining. We should also consider getting at least 5 S-500 systems as well to counter Chinese missiles and 5th-gen jets. In the meantime, we will be ready with our Project Kusha and the next project, which can be close to S-500.

 

[Ngorno karabakh]

Our project Kusha is close to S-400, not S-500.

I never said it is. Kusha and S-400 will make an indomitable air defence combination. In large numbers, they will act as strong deterrents. We can procure S-500 if need be.