NEW DELHI: In a big step towards bolstering India’s indigenous defense capabilities, Navratna PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has acquired 75 hectares of land in the Chitrakoot node of the UP defense industrial corridor to establish a new manufacturing unit for production of next-generation missiles, radar systems and India’s own ‘Iron Dome’.“With an investment of more than Rs 600 crore, this upcoming facility will cater to futuristic defense programs like quick-reaction surface-to-air missile (QRSAM), Kusha air defense system and next-generation radar systems along with maintenance, repair and operations facility,” the BEL said.Project Kusha is India’s indigenous, long-range air defense system developed by the DRDO to create a three-tiered, 400-km-range shield against stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones. Often compared to Russia’s S-400, it aims to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers by creating India’s own ‘Iron Dome’ by 2028-29. Kusha comprises three variants of interceptors —M1 (150 km), M2 (250 km), and M3 (350–400 km) and features long-range surveillance and fire-control radars capable of tracking and destroying multiple targets simultaneously.Handing over the land allotment letter to PSU CMD Manoj Jain, CM Yogi Adityanath said, “Under this project, BEL will establish an advanced manufacturing unit for the production of state-of-the-art radar and air defense systems with an investment of approximately Rs 562.5 crore. This initiative will not only strengthen high-technology-based production in the defense sector but will also provide a new direction to the expansion of industrial efficiency and technical capabilities in the state.“The CM further said, “This initiative will provide a strong foundation to the resolve of Atmanirbhar Bharat by decisively strengthening indigenous production capacity in the defense sector. At the same time, the project will accelerate the development of auxiliary and MSME-based industries and create new opportunities for advanced technological collaboration, innovation and knowledge transfer, which will help establish the state as a major hub in defense production.““As a result, there is a possibility of generating more than 300 direct employment opportunities, while large-scale indirect employment will also be created in auxiliary and allied sectors,” he said.