The Indian Air Force (IAF) has reiterated its commitment to Project Kusha, a next-generation long-range surface-to-air missile program, amid plans to procure five additional squadrons of the Russian S-400 air defense system. A senior IAF official stated that the S-400 acquisitions, valued between $4-5 billion, will not affect the funding or requirements for Project Kusha, which aims for induction by 2030. With capabilities expected to surpass the S-500, Project Kusha will enhance India’s air defense architecture, addressing emerging threats like hypersonic missiles. This dual approach of leveraging foreign technology while advancing indigenous capabilities underscores India’s strategic focus on self-reliance in defense amidst rising regional tensions, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.