As of March 2025, DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) is actively involved in several Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) programs aimed at enhancing India’s air defense capabilities . These programs cover a range of capabilities, from short-range to long-range systems, and include both land-based and naval variants .
Here’s an overview of key DRDO SAM programs:
- Project Kusha (Extended Range Air Defence System):
- This ambitious project aims to develop a long-range surface-to-air missile system, essentially an Indian equivalent of the S-400 .
- The system will feature interceptor missiles with ranges of 150 km, 250 km, and 350 km .
- It is intended to supplement existing systems like the Indo-Israeli Barak 8 and the Russian S-400 .
- The project received Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) in September 2023, with a budget of ₹21,700 crore for five squadrons for the Indian Air Force .
- Fabrication of the first M1 missile (150 km range) was set to begin in August 2024, with testing expected in early 2025 .
- Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM):
- This is a quick reaction, close-range weapon system designed for naval platforms .
- It is intended to replace the Barak-1 system on Indian Navy ships .
- DRDO successfully test-fired the VL-SRSAM for the Indian Navy, demonstrating its pinpoint accuracy in engaging low-altitude targets .
- Orders for VL-SRSAM are expected to be placed in the financial year 2026-27 .
- Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM):
- This system is being developed for the Indian Army to replace the legacy OSA-AK systems .
- Orders for the QRSAM are likely to be placed in the financial year 2025-26 .
- Akash New Generation (Akash-NG):
- This is a new generation of the Akash missile system for the Indian Air Force .
- It is currently under testing, and orders are expected to be placed in the financial year 2026-27 .
- Other Developments:
- DRDO is continuously working on upgrading existing systems and developing new technologies for air defense .
- Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is a key production partner for DRDO in these missile programs .
These SAM programs highlight DRDO’s commitment to enhancing India’s air defense capabilities, with a focus on indigenization and technological advancement .
