EXPLAINED: India's XRSAM Air Defense System | Pavneet Singh | PSIR | UPSC CSE 2026

#UPSC #CurrentAffairs #XRSAM #ProjectKusha

Dive deep into India's most ambitious indigenous air defence project—the Extended Range Surface-to-Air Missile (XRSAM), also known as Project Kusha. This video is essential for UPSC Prelims and Mains preparation, covering the system's technical specifications, strategic significance, and its role in the nation's layered air defence network.

In this video, you will learn about:
What is XRSAM / Project Kusha? Understanding its role as a Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) system being developed by DRDO.
The Strategic Gap: How XRSAM aims to bridge the critical range gap between the Medium-Range SAM (MRSAM) and the imported S-400 Triumf system.

Key Features & Specifications (UPSC Prelims Focus):
Operational Range: Targeting capabilities up to 250-400 km with its three planned interceptor variants (M1, M2, M3).
Targets: Designed to neutralize high-value aerial threats like enemy aircraft, cruise missiles, stealth fighters, and ballistic missiles in the terminal stage.
Development Agency: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and its partners (BEL, BDL).
Induction: Planned induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy.

Significance for National Security (UPSC Mains Focus - GS-III):
'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in Defence: XRSAM is a major push towards self-reliance and indigenisation in critical defence technology, reducing import dependence.
Multi-layered Air Defence: How it strengthens India's overall layered air defence architecture alongside systems like Akash, MRSAM, and S-400.
Deterrence Capability: Enhancing India's ability to protect vital assets and airspace from long-range aerial threats.

#DRDO #GS3Security #ScienceAndTechUPSC #IndianDefence #AtmanirbharBharat #AirDefenceSystem #UPSC2026 #IAS