Our indigenous air defense shield Project Kusha will be a game changer, says Rajnath Singh

Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh at the inauguration of the Advanced Weapon Systems Complex at DRDO’s Defense Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, in Hyderabad on June 12, 2026. | Photo credit: ANI

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday (Jun 12, 2026) described the Project Kusha indigenous air defense program as a “game changer” for India’s security architecture, saying its importance had already been demonstrated during Operation Sindoor.

Addressing scientists and officials in Hyderabad after inaugurating the Advanced Weapons Systems Complex at the Defense Research and Development Organization’s Defense Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) at the Missile Complex, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalama Mr. Singh said that India’s air defense capabilities successfully foiled the enemy’s intentions during the operation.

“Today I predict that Project Kusha will be a game changer in India’s security scenario. It is a world-class indigenous air defense system. Just as Govardhan hill protected the entire Braj region in Dvapara Yuga, our air defense system provided a protective umbrella during that period (Operation Sindoor),” he said. Project Kusha is a long-range air defense missile system being developed by DRDO to provide a comprehensive shield against a wide range of air threats.

Defense Minister lauded DRDO’s missile systems and strategic systems cluster for enhancing India’s technological excellence, strategic autonomy and national security. He said indigenous systems like Akash and BrahMos have demonstrated India’s ability to compete in the global defense technology ecosystem.

“The nature of war is changing”

Highlighting the changing nature of warfare, Mr Singh said emerging technologies such as precision strike systems, integrated air defense networks, hypersonic weapons, autonomous platforms, artificial intelligence and electronic warfare are reshaping the modern battlefield. In this environment, he emphasized the need for both resilience and deterrence.

Referring to the government’s ambitious ‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra’ announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech in 2025, Mr Singh said the initiative would create a multi-layered missile defense shield capable of protecting military assets, critical infrastructure and civilian installations across the country.

“The system will provide robust protection while ensuring that citizens face minimal inconvenience. It will also have the capability to provide a decisive response whenever required,” he said.

Appreciating DRDO’s progress in indigenous missile technology, the defense minister said recent achievements in strategic and tactical weapons programs reflected India’s growing confidence and trust in defense manufacturing.

Mr. Singh called for faster deployment of advanced systems in DRDO forces, services and industry partners to work as an integrated ecosystem. He emphasized shortening development-to-production timelines, increasing original content, and strengthening mass production capabilities to meet future operational requirements.

During the visit, Mr. Singh also viewed a technical exhibition showcasing advanced weapon systems, indigenous missile platforms and other cutting-edge defense technologies developed by DRDO.

Published – 12 Jun 2026 22:59 IST