India has carried out the first test of its Kusha long-range surface-to-air missile system. This is seen as a milestone that could pave the way for New Delhi to bolster its home-grown air defence network and meet the challenges of future conflicts. Developed by the state-run Defence Research and Development Organisation, the system is expected to become a key part of the two-phase Mission Sudarshan Chakra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s plan for a multilayered national defence umbrella against ballistic missiles, fighter aircraft, drones and other threats by 2035. The Kusha’s flight test on July 23 has put the spotlight on such threats and India’s reliance on imported weaponry such as Russia’s S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system, whose deliveries have been delayed by Moscow due to its military needs as the Ukraine conflict continues. The Indian air force leadership has hailed the S-400’s performance in last year’s military conflict with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, saying the system had intercepted five Pakistani fighter jets and an early warning and surveillance aircraft. Ravi Gopal Krishna Kapoor, a retired air marshal with the Indian Air Force, said the Kusha could be easily integrated into the country’s air defence architecture as it was a domestically developed system. “The threats are multiplying with the proliferation of drones and missiles, further complicated by fifth-generation fighters. The best way of air denial is to have a robust integrated multilayered air defence system capable of detecting, identifying, engaging and destroying intruders,” Kapoor said. Kusha is slated for a phased launch between 2028 and 2030, according to local media reports. India has received four operational S-400 squadrons as of June and is scheduled to get a fifth later this year as part of a US$5.43 billion deal signed with Russia in 2018. “The system is expensive, and replenishment of its missiles and upgrades will depend heavily on Russia. The delays due to the Ukraine war in delivery of the last two systems are an example of uncertainties associated with imports,” Kapoor said. For now, India’s S-400 arsenal was not enough to provide adequate defence across the country, he added. The conflicts in Ukraine and Iran have shown the importance of protecting critical infrastructure including power generation, railways, airports and military assets, according to Kapoor. Kusha could complement the S-400 systems as part of the outermost umbrella of India’s air defence, with the inner layer comprising short-to-medium range surface-to-air missiles such as the Akash, Kapoor said. At the same time, the Kusha could also play a limited offensive role to prevent enemies from launching their weapons, as shown during Operation Sindoor, Kapoor added, citing the need to counter modern aircraft such as the Chinese next-generation advanced fighters equipped with long-range air-to-air missiles. According to local media reports, the Kusha is expected to be equipped with three types of interceptor missiles with ranges of up to 150km, 250km and 400km, with the first variant in the July 23 test reportedly having the maximum 150km range. The deployment of an indigenous missile system was an important step as it would enable India to gain tight control of the supply chain, Kapoor said. Srinivasan Balakrishnan, director of strategic engagements and partnerships at the Indic Researchers Forum, a Delhi-based security think tank, said that by having control over the Kusha’s production, maintenance and software, India would face less vulnerability over foreign supply chains. He also noted that the cost of the Kusha was estimated to be half that of similar imported systems and could provide deterrence against fighter jets, cruise missiles, drones and other weapons. “Without Kusha, Sudarshan Chakra would remain incomplete. With it, India gains the backbone needed for nationwide coverage of both strategic and civilian assets,” Balakrishnan said.
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