Context
- Recently, the Defence Minister inaugurated the Advanced Weapon System Complex at DRDL, part of the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad. He described the indigenous Project Kusha air defence programme as a major “game changer” for strengthening India’s security and defence capabilities.
Key Highlights: Project Kusha
- Type of System: It is an indigenous, long-range air defence missile system.
- Developing Agency: Being developed completely by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Core Function: Designed to provide a comprehensive, protective umbrella/shield against a wide array of aerial threats.
- Operational Track Record: The Defence Minister asserted that the system’s operational importance and effectiveness have already been successfully demonstrated during Operation Sindoor.
Broader Air Defence Frameworks & Initiatives
1. “Mission Sudarshan Chakra”
- Origin: Announced by the Prime Minister during Independence Day in 2025.
- Objective: An ambitious initiative aimed at establishing a multi-layered missile defence shield across India by 2035.
- Scope: It is designed to safeguard three critical pillars:
- Military assets.
- Critical infrastructure.
- Civilian establishments across the country.
- Key Feature: Built to offer robust protection while minimizing inconvenience to citizens, along with possessing the capability to deliver a decisive retaliatory response when necessary.
2. Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)
- The system is being developed as a key component of Mission Sudarshan Chakra, India’s proposed multi-layered national air defence shield.
- Components of the mission include:
- QRSAM — Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile
- VSHORAD — Very Short Range Air Defence System
- Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) / Laser-based systems
India’s Multi-Layered Air Defence Architecture
| Layer | System / Assets |
| Layer 1 (Very Short) | Counter-drone systems | MANPADS | VSHORAD |
| Layer 2–3 (Short-Medium) | Point air defence | QRSAM | MR-SAM (Barak-8) | Akash |
| Layer 4 (Long-Range) | S-400 Triumf | (Future) Project Kusha (150–350 km) |
Q. With reference to India’s defence capabilities mentioned in recent news, consider the following statements:
1. Project Kusha is a short-range, quick-reaction surface-to-air missile system developed jointly by India and Israel.
2. "Mission Sudarshan Chakra" is aimed at establishing a multi-layered nationwide missile defence shield to protect both military and civilian assets.
3. The Advanced Weapon System Complex at DRDL was recently inaugurated in Hyderabad.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: B (2 and 3 only)
• Statement 1 is incorrect: According to image_08dd8b.png, Project Kusha is an indigenous, long-range air defence missile system being developed by the DRDO, not a short-range joint venture.
• Statement 2 is correct: Mission Sudarshan Chakra aims to create a multi-layered missile defence shield protecting military assets, critical infrastructure, and civilian establishments.
• Statement 3 is correct: The Defence Minister inaugurated the Advanced Weapon System Complex at DRDO’s DRDL facility in Hyderabad.