Why in the news?
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Project Kusha as a “game changer” for India’s security architecture and stated that its significance had been demonstrated during Operation Sindoor.
What is Project Kusha?
- An indigenous long-range air defence missile system being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Intended to provide a multi-layered air defence shield against diverse aerial threats.
- Often viewed as India’s indigenous counterpart to advanced systems like the Russian S-400 Triumf.
Objectives
- Protect military assets and strategic installations.
- Defend critical infrastructure and civilian areas.
- Enhance India’s indigenous air defence capabilities.
- Strengthen strategic autonomy under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Threats It Is Expected to Counter
- Fighter aircraft, Cruise missiles, Ballistic missiles, Drones and UAVs, Precision-guided munitions, and Stand-off weapons
Mission Sudarshan Chakra
- Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2025 Independence Day address.
- Envisages a nationwide multi-layered missile defence shield.
- Aims to protect: Military establishments, Critical infrastructure, and Civilian population centres.
- Project Kusha is expected to be an important component of this vision.
[2018] What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?
[A] An Israeli radar system
[B] India’s indigenous anti-missile programme
[C] An American anti-missile system
[D] A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea.