According to a recent research, India is making substantial progress toward its aim of having its long-range air defense system operational by 2028–2029. The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is developing this system, known as the long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM), as part of the ambitious “Project Kusha (DRDO).”
The LR-SAM is intended to detect and destroy a variety of threats, such as drones, precision-guided bombs, intruding stealth aircraft, and cruise missiles, and it has an incredible 350-kilometer range. Notably, the powerful Russian S-400 Triumf air defense system that was recently incorporated into the Indian Air Force is anticipated to resemble this native “iron dome” system.
The LR-SAM system’s primary objective is to furnish comprehensive air defense coverage for both strategic and tactically vulnerable areas. This project received the green light from the Cabinet Committee on Security in May 2022 and was designated as a “mission-mode” endeavor. Consequently, the Defense Ministry recently granted the acceptance of necessity (AON) for the procurement of five squadrons for the Indian Air Force, at a cost of Rs 21,700 crore.
The mobile LR-SAM boasts long-range surveillance capabilities and deploys various interceptor missiles engineered to strike hostile targets at ranges of 150 km, 250 km, and 350 km. India’s efforts in this domain mark a significant stride toward bolstering its national defense capabilities and ensuring security in an ever-evolving geopolitical landscape.
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