Project Kusha Air Defence System: India developing desi S400-like missile system, prototype likely in a year

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a key defence public sector undertaking that manufactures air defence systems like Akashteer, is advancing efforts to develop a S400-type indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system under Project Kusha. As per reports, the company aims to complete the prototype in 12 to 18 months, followed by user trials that could last 12 to 36 months.

Project Kusha air defence system prototype phase set to begin soon

Project Kusha is led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and aims to build a system that can counter various aerial threats such as drones, aircraft, and missiles. BEL is working as DRDO’s development partner for several subsystems of the project, including radars and control systems.

“We are the development partner with DRDO and are developing jointly so many subsystems of Kusha, mainly different types of radars and control systems,” BEL Chairman and Managing Director Manoj Jain said during the March quarter earnings call.

BEL is also waiting for a decision on who will integrate the full system. “If they decide to have two system integrators, then definitely we will be one of them,” Jain said.

BEL also developing QRSAM

Apart from Project Kusha, BEL is also working on the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system. The company expects to receive an order worth Rs 30,000 crore for this project, covering combined requirements of the Indian Army and Air Force.

“QRSAM may be around roughly Rs 30,000 crore… we are the production agency for QRSAM. So order will come to BEL,” Jain said. He added that the order may be finalised by the last quarter of the current financial year or could slip into the first quarter of the next.

BEL's Akashteer air defence systems show strong performance

BEL’s role in strengthening India’s air defence network has gained attention with the recent success of the Akashteer system. Designed to improve situational awareness and coordination, Akashteer is an air defence control and reporting system developed specifically for the Indian armed forces. It enables real-time monitoring and engagement of multiple aerial targets and integrates a wide range of sensors and weapon systems into a single operational framework.

The system was recently inducted into active service and is considered a significant upgrade to legacy command systems. It enhances India's capability to respond swiftly to aerial threats, especially in forward areas.

India’s broader air defence capabilities have also shown operational strength in recent months. The Akash missile system, another indigenous project, successfully demonstrated its ability to intercept high-speed targets in multiple live-fire exercises.

S-400 strengthens India’s strategic deterrence

Alongside its indigenous efforts, India continues to operate the Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defence system, which is regarded as one of the most advanced systems of its kind globally. The Indian Air Force has already deployed multiple S-400 units at strategic locations to counter aerial threats from long distances. These systems are capable of tracking and engaging multiple targets simultaneously, including fighter jets, ballistic missiles, and drones.

The S-400 has played a key role in boosting India’s layered air defence shield and offers coverage over vast geographical areas. Its integration into India’s air defence command has provided the armed forces with early warning capabilities and rapid interception options. So far, the system has performed as expected during training and operational deployment, according to officials familiar with its use.

India’s use of the S-400 has also influenced the development of indigenous alternatives like Project Kusha. The goal is to achieve similar capability using Indian technologies, reducing reliance on foreign platforms.