Why in News
The DRDO Kusha missile completed its maiden flight-test, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-firing the indigenous ‘Kusha’ Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast.
Key Facts for Prelims
- Project Kusha is an indigenous Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) system developed by DRDO to provide a multi-layered air defence shield.
- It features three interceptor variants with ranges of approximately 150 km, 250 km, and 350-400 km.
- Kusha is designed to counter stealth fighters, drones, and cruise missiles.
- The project aims to reduce India’s import dependency for long-range air defence systems.
Interconnected Concept: Indian Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) Systems
- A Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) is a ground- or sea-launched air defence system designed to destroy enemy aircraft, drones, and incoming missiles.
- Akash: indigenous, medium-range, multi-target system with a strike range of 25-30 km.
- MRSAM (Medium Range SAM): co-developed by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries, range of about 70 km.
- QRSAM (Quick Reaction SAM): highly mobile, short-range system for air defence of moving armoured columns.
- S-400 Triumf: long-range strategic system imported from Russia, covering threats up to 400 km.
- Kusha is envisaged as an indigenous alternative in the same long-range bracket as the S-400, strengthening India’s overall air defence architecture.
Quick Revision Table
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| System type | Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) |
| Developing agency | DRDO |
| Interceptor ranges | ~150 km / 250 km / 350-400 km |
| Test type | Maiden flight-test vs an electronic target |
| Key objective | Multi-layered air defence; reduce import dependence |
| Comparable imported system | S-400 Triumf (Russia) |
Trap / Confusing Points
| Confusing Point | Clarification |
|---|---|
| Kusha vs S-400 | Kusha is indigenous (DRDO-developed); S-400 is imported from Russia — don’t call Kusha a Russian system. |
| Kusha vs Akash | Akash is medium-range (25-30 km); Kusha is long-range, up to 350-400 km. |
| Kusha vs MRSAM | MRSAM is co-developed with Israel Aerospace Industries (~70 km); Kusha is a fully indigenous DRDO project. |
| Kusha vs QRSAM | QRSAM is a short-range, mobile system for moving columns; Kusha is a long-range, area air-defence shield. |
Practice MCQs
- ‘Project Kusha’, being developed by DRDO, refers to which system?
a. Anti-satellite missile
b. Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile
c. Hypersonic cruise missile
d. Submarine-launched ballistic missile
Ans: b. Kusha is an indigenous Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile system. - What is the maximum interceptor range under Project Kusha?
a. 70 km
b. 150 km
c. 250 km
d. 350-400 km
Ans: d. The longest-range interceptor variant covers 350-400 km. - Project Kusha is often described as an indigenous alternative to which imported system?
a. BrahMos
b. S-400 Triumf
c. Agni-V
d. Prithvi
Ans: b. It is expected to reduce India’s dependence on the imported Russian S-400 Triumf system. - Which of the following is a short-range, mobile Indian air defence missile system meant for moving armoured columns?
a. QRSAM
b. Kusha
c. S-400
d. MRSAM
Ans: a. QRSAM (Quick Reaction SAM) is designed for on-the-move air defence of armoured columns. - MRSAM has been co-developed by DRDO in collaboration with which country?
a. USA
b. Russia
c. France
d. Israel
Ans: d. MRSAM was jointly developed by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries.
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