India is working on a plan to deploy a long-range air defense system by the year 2028-29. Under ‘Project Kusha’, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing an indigenous long-range surface-to-air LR-SAM system.
According to the report of Times of India, this air defense system is capable of detecting incoming stealth fighter planes, drones and cruise missiles at a distance of up to 250 kilometers. It will have capabilities like Russia’s S-400 Triumph air defense system.
LR-SAM system approved in May 2022
In May 2022, the Cabinet Committee on Security had approved the development of LR-SAM system as a mission mode project. After this, the Defense Ministry last month gave Acceptance of Necessity for the purchase of 5 squadrons for the Air Force. Its cost is Rs 21700 crore. It will have a mobile LR-SAM with long range surveillance and fire control radar and a variety of interceptor missiles designed to engage enemy targets at ranges of 150 km, 250 km and 250 km. According to sources, it will be capable of reliable ‘area air defense’.
Destruct enemy missiles in the air
The mobile LR-SAM with long range surveillance and fire control radars will also have different types of interceptor missiles, capable of targeting the enemy in the air at ranges of 150 km, 250 km and 350 km. According to the report, the chances of killing the enemy in this system will be up to 80 percent. If fired continuously, this probability will increase to 90 percent. DRDO says that the LR-SAM system will be more effective against high speed targets with loaded radar cross section. These will provide air protection to many sensitive areas.
Equipped with Airborne Warning and Control System
It will be prepared to kill fighter size targets at a distance of 250 kilometers. It will have AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control Systems). Along with this, big planes refueling in the air can be intercepted at a distance of 350 kilometers.
Automatic Air Defense Network
The firing units of LR-SAM will be able to interact with the Integrated Air Command and Control System of the Air Force. This is a completely automatic air defense network. In this, data link networks are being built to integrate a wide series of military radars with each other. It will also include radar to overcome the shortcomings of airspace surveillance.