Kusha missile test brings India closer to self-reliance and multilayered defence umbrella: Report
New Delhi, Aug 9
The first test of the Kusha long-range surface-to-air missile system is set to bring India closer to self-reliance and be a key part of Sudarshan Chakra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-phase Mission for a multilayered national defence umbrella, against ballistic missiles, fighter aircraft, drones and other threats by 2035, a media report said.
"India's first test of its Kusha long-range surface-to-air missile system 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," the report by the South China Morning Post said.
It cited IAF's Air Marshal Ravi Gopal Krishna Kapoor (retd) as saying that Kusha could be integrated into the country's air defence architecture easily 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, as per the report.
He also said that Kusha could complement Russia's S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile systems as part of the outermost umbrella of India's air defence, with the short-to-medium range surface-to-air missiles such as the Akash being part of the inner layer, the report added.
"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," it said.
The report also noted that India would face less vulnerability over foreign supply chains by having control over the Kusha's production, maintenance and software, citing Srinivasan Balakrishnan, director of strategic engagements and partnerships at the Indic Researchers Forum, a Delhi-based security think tank.
According to him, Kusha could provide deterrence against fighter jets, cruise missiles, drones and other weapons and was estimated to cost half of what similar imported systems would.
"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, the South China Morning Post report said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is great progress, but we should also ensure that our defence forces get proper training to handle these advanced systems. Technology is only as good as the people operating it. Still, very encouraging news for Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The mention of Operation Sindoor is interesting. We saw how modern warfare is changing with drones and precision strikes. A multilayered defence system like Sudarshan Chakra is not just necessary, it's inevitable. Better late than never!
Good to see India investing in indigenous defence systems. The cost advantage is a big deal - imagine what we could do with the money saved on imports. But we need to ensure timely delivery and rigorous testing. Hope the 2035 timeline is realistic.
The Kusha missile system is a game-changer for our air defence. Being able to complement the S-400 is brilliant. But let's not get complacent - China is constantly upgrading its military. We need to keep innovating and investing in R&D to stay ahead.
The fact that Kusha can be produced, maintained, and updated locally without worrying about foreign supply chains is the biggest advantage here. In times of conflict, dependency on imported systems can be fatal. This is the way forward for India's strategic autonomy.
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