Hyderabad: Half a world away from the conflict zone in the Middle East, India and its defense officials are watching Israel’s war feats with keen interest. Facing threats from Pakistan and China, India is developing its own multi-layered approach with indigenous innovations. On May 7, 2025, during heightened tensions with Pakistan, the S-400 -deployed in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir- thwarted a drone and missile attack on Indian cities, achieving an 80% kill rate in real combat. With a 400-kilometer range and the ability to engage 36 targets simultaneously, the S-400 was India’s shield against ballistic missiles, jets, and drones.
Yet, India’s ambitions stretched beyond imports.
The Akash missile system, with a 25-kilometer range, and the Indo-Israeli Barak-8 (70-150 kilometers) formed the backbone of its medium-range defenses. At Aero India 2025, the DRDO unveiled Raksha Kavach, a multi-layer platform using nanotechnology to protect assets from ballistic and electronic threats. But the crown jewel was Project Kusha, an indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) system slated for deployment by 2028-29.
Project Kusha, with a 350-kilometer range, aimed to rival the S-400 and Israel’s Iron Dome. It could neutralize stealth fighters, drones, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions, boasting an 80% single-shot kill probability. Approved at a cost of Rs 21,700 crore, it integrated advanced radars and interceptors for ranges of 150, 250, and 350 kilometers. DRDO officials claimed it could outmatch even the U.S. Patriot system, positioning India as a defense technology powerhouse.
India also explored laser-based systems, inspired by Iron Beam. The DRDO’s Laser Beam Rider Guidance (LBRG) system, in advanced testing, promised cost-effective drone and missile interception by 2028. Indian Air Force Chief AP Singh emphasized scaling up indigenous systems like Akash NG, which offered enhanced range and accuracy, to counter saturation attacks. By 2028, India planned large-scale production of these technologies, aiming for self-reliance and export potential, with countries like Armenia already procuring Akash.
