India's homegrown missile shield may diminish need for Russia's S-500 system
India has completed Phase-II trials of its indigenous ballistic missile defence, prompting questions about the relevance of Russia's S-500 purchase.
In the latest phase of Operation Sindoor, Indian forces countered diverse aerial threats, including Pakistani drones and a ballistic missile intercepted over Sirsa, Haryana. The Defence Ministry announced that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) completed Phase-II trials of its ballistic missile defence shield using AD-1 and AD-2 interceptors, confirming the ability to neutralise missiles both within and beyond the atmosphere.
The system, integrated with long-range radars, launch control centres and mobile 12x12 transporter-erector-launchers built by Ashok Leyland and Tata Advanced Systems, extends protection from Delhi and Mumbai to missiles with ranges up to 5,000 kilometres. While Russia's S-500 Prometheus, capable of engaging targets up to 600 km and even low-Earth-orbit satellites, has been marketed to India since 2021, the indigenous shield under Project Kusha may limit the need for such foreign procurement. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the trials as validating critical technologies for a multi-layered defence architecture.
Why it matters
India's growing missile-defence capability could shift regional security dynamics and affect future defence purchases.
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