India is poised to take the next step towards Project Kusha - the ambitious defence initiative for developing a long-range air defence system, marking significant growth for the nation's defence abilities. The dream of designing India’s very own indigenous long-range defence system was founded by the <a href="https://www.drdo.gov.in/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Defence Research and Development Organization</a> (DRDO) in 2023. A step like this announces the bolstering growth of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the air defence capabilities of the country. The deployment target of this project is to be accomplished by the years 2028-29. The seed of this indigenous project was sown in the year 2022, and the formal acceptance of the project was announced in October 2023. Over the preceding months, dedicated efforts have been tirelessly invested in advancing the project's development. This project by DRDO reflects greatly on the support and enlargement of the Make in India initiative made by P.M. Narendra Modi. <h2>Capabilities and Objectives:</h2>The need for developing one such system comes from the necessity of building a very own long-range surface-to-air defence system (LR-SAM) up to 350km, which, according to sources, is comparable to Russia’s S-400 Trimuf air defence system. These long-range air defence systems can detect and destroy enemy projectiles and armour, including cruise missiles, stealth fighter jets, and drones, at long range. It will include advanced long-range surveillance and fire control radars, as well as three different types of interceptor missiles with ranges of 150, 250, and 350 km. This LR-SAM system boasts an 80% single-shot killing possibility and 90% if the missiles are fired consecutively. For the <a href="https://indianairforce.nic.in/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Indian Air Force</a> (IAF), integrating fire control and surveillance radars will directly improve their capacity to monitor airspace and identify possible threats efficiently. Furthermore, the LR-SAM system's firing units will be integrated with the IAF's air command and control system, offering a holistic defence strategy. This indigenous air defence system intends to substantially boost India's defensive capabilities and safeguard its airspace against potential threats from a long distance. <h2>Financial Investments:</h2>With a financial investment of up to Rs. 21,700 crore for up to five squadrons, “Project Kusha” has been granted permission for funding. It is extremely important to mention that India already possesses Russia’s S-400 air defence system, which was procured in 2018. Out of the five squadrons, three were delivered to India, but two were put on hold due to the complexity arising following the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The S-400 deliveries are scheduled to be completed by 2024. Upon the funding approval of Project Kusha, DRDO has initiated the involvement of both the public and private sectors.&nbsp;&nbsp; The need for one such indigenous project becomes necessary with the increased emerging threats from neighbouring countries. The completion of this prestigious project will unfold as a milestone for the <a href="https://www.makeinindia.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aatma Nirbhar</a> (self-reliant) journey of India. India’s mainland version of the Iron Dome would mark a historic accomplishment for the country. The ability of the system to work at long distances is going to unlock new benchmarks for technological advancement in the defence sector of India, making it a versatile defensive asset. The significance of “Project Kusha” can be highlighted by the development of India’s greatest ground-to-air defence capabilities. Finally, "Project Kusha" represents a huge step forward for India in establishing self-reliance in defence technology. As it develops, this indigenous air defence system will play a critical role in protecting India's airspace and addressing increasing security issues in the region.

India is poised to take the next step towards Project Kusha - the ambitious defence initiative for developing a long-range air defence system, marking significant growth for the nation's defence abilities. 

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