The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India is developing a new missile for the Indian Navy. This will be a long-range surface-to-air missile with a range of 250 km, designed to intercept any anti-ship missile, regardless of its speed, even if it exceeds 8600 km per hour.
This missile will provide an aerial defense shield to the Indian Navy, ensuring that missiles from Pakistan or China cannot target Indian naval warships, submarines, or aircraft carriers. It is being developed under Project Kusha and will be similar to the Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) system.
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Source: aajtak
Project Kusha includes three long-range air defense missiles with ranges of 150 km, 250-300 km, and 400 km. In addition, there is support from the Russian-made S-400 air defense system. However, DRDO is continually developing such weapons to protect the country from enemy nuclear ballistic missiles.
Why is this missile being developed?
Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles (ASBMs) are rapidly being developed worldwide. These missiles can target naval assets as well as surface and air targets at very high speeds, making them extremely destructive and difficult to intercept.
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Source: aajtak
China possesses anti-ship ballistic missiles like the DF-21D, known as the carrier killer, which can sink entire aircraft carriers. Iran and the US have also developed similar weapons, with the US's SM-6 missile being one such example. Hence, DRDO has decided to develop this missile for the Indian Navy.
What will be special about this missile...
This missile can intercept any type of anti-ship ballistic missile, whether it is carrying conventional or nuclear warheads. It will have dual capability, meaning it can target any aircraft or ballistic missile. It will serve as a defense shield for land, ships, and aircraft carriers alike.
