Project Kusha
Indian Air Force › Procurement
Indigenous multi-tier long-range air defence missile system with interception ranges of 150 km, 250 km, and 350 km
Budget
₹21,700 Cr
Timeline
2024–2032
Sector
Indian Air Force
Indigenisation
PROCUREMENT TIMELINE
AON
AON
CURRENTAcceptance of Necessity — CCS/DAC approves the requirement.
RFI
RFI
RFP
RFP
ToC
ToC
CNC
CNC
Contract
Contract
Dev/Trial
Dev/Trial
Induction
Induction
INTEL SIGNALS
Strategic priority designation
CCS accorded formal financial sanction in 2023 for 5 squadrons of Project Kusha at ~₹21,700 Cr. Developed by DRDO with IAF operational requirements to provide multi-layered interception against stealth fighters, cruise missiles, and ballistic targets up to 350 km range.
RECENT INTELLIGENCE
janes.com · 24 Jul 2026
# India conducts maiden flight test of ‘Kusha' long-range SAM. The ‘Kusha' long-range surface-to-air missile launches from a vertical-launch system during its m
defensenews.com · 27 Jul 2026
# India moves closer to a homegrown, long-range air defense. ## A recent interceptor test marked the first demonstration of New Delhi’s efforts to build a syste
janes.com · 27 Jul 2026
A Veda Aeronautics' official launches a Sureshastra Mk1 loitering munition. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is procuring a longer-range version of the Sureshastra Mk
PROGRAM BRIEF & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Pipeline Status
Stage 0/7
CCS Sanctioned
Estimated Budget
₹21,700 Cr
Financial Outlay
Target Timeline
2024–2032
Operational Target
Armed Service
Indian Air Force
80% Indigenous
Project Kusha — Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LR-SAM) is currently at Stage 0 of 7 in the Indian defence procurement procedure (CCS Sanctioned). Indigenous multi-tier long-range air defence missile system with interception ranges of 150 km, 250 km, and 350 km
The allocated budget outlay for Project Kusha is estimated at ₹21,700 Cr.
The program schedule indicates 2024–2032.
Project Kusha is developed in coordination with vendors: DRDO DRDL, BDL, BEL, IAF.
Project Kusha targets an indigenous content of 80%, advancing domestic defence manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
CONTENDERS / VENDORS
DRDO DRDL · BDL · BEL · IAF
LATEST UPDATES
SEE ALSO