HYDERABAD: Stating it had already demonstrated its capabilities during Operation Sindoor, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday described the indigenous Project Kusha air defence system as a potential game changer for India’s security architecture.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Advanced Weapon System Complex at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) here, Singh said, “I believe Project Kusha will be a game changer for India’s security. It can be compared to the Govardhan Hill from Hindu mythology.”
“Just as the Govardhan Hill protected the people of Braj during the Dvapara Yuga, our air defence system provided a protective shield during Operation Sindoor,” he said, adding that no further proof of its effectiveness was required.
He commended the Missile Systems and Strategic Systems Cluster of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for its contributions to technological advancement, strategic autonomy and national security. He said the performance of indigenous missile systems during Operation Sindoor reflected the growing strength of India’s defence research and development ecosystem.
“The systems developed by DRDO, including Akash and BrahMos, have demonstrated India’s ability to compete in the global defence technology arena. Strength is essential for peace, and self-reliance is the strongest foundation of that strength. DRDO has proven this time and again,” Singh said.
“When aerial threats loomed over borders, our air defence system completely thwarted the enemy’s intentions,” he said.
‘Govt committed to creating multi-level missile defence system’
Rajnath added that the vital role of air defence can be witnessed in the conflict zones of the Middle East, voicing Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government’s commitment to creating a multi-level missile defence system through ‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra’.
“Mission Sudarshan Chakra, announced by PM Modi during his 2025 Independence Day address, is set to become a multi-level missile defence system of modern India. It will not only protect military installations and critical infrastructure, but also ensure the safety of civil infrastructure & key establishments. The system will possess the capability to deliver a decisive punch whenever needed. Its three-layered protection will ensure minimal inconvenience to citizens and prioritise their safety. It is a system designed to provide a robust protective shield for all assets of vital importance,” said Singh.
Highlighting the need for ‘resilience’ and ‘deterrence’ in an era of rapidly evolving warfare and global uncertainty, he said emerging technologies such as precision-strike capabilities, integrated air defence systems, hypersonic weapons, autonomous platforms, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare and advanced sensors are reshaping modern warfare.
“The international order is undergoing a period of tension and transformation, where old assumptions are crumbling and new alliances and challenges are emerging. In such an environment, there is a need to possess ‘resilience’ — the ability to absorb shocks and recover quickly — and ‘deterrence’ — the capability to make any aggressor think twice by assuring a befitting response to hostile actions,” he explained.
Acknowledging DRDO’s role in strengthening these capabilities, the defence minister said the organisation had instilled confidence that the nation would remain prepared to face any challenge. “Today’s inauguration symbolises our resolve to remain vigilant, capable and self-reliant,” he said.
Stressing the importance of equipping the armed forces with advanced systems in adequate numbers and on time, Singh said technological superiority alone does not guarantee success in warfare and must be backed by robust production capacity. He called on DRDO, the armed forces and industry to work as an integrated ecosystem to ensure the rapid transition of technologies from development to large-scale production and timely induction into service.
Appreciating DRDO’s contribution, he highlighted the transformation of the defence ecosystem through enhanced collaboration among DRDO laboratories, public sector undertakings, private industry, start-ups, MSMEs and academia.
“This collaborative model will help India accelerate its journey from innovation to production and from production to operational capability,” he said, expressing confidence that DRDO would continue to strengthen national capabilities and enhance the operational effectiveness of the armed forces.