New Delhi: India achieved a major milestone in its defence modernisation programme on Thursday with the successful maiden flight test of the indigenous Kusha long range surface to air missile system, strengthening the country’s air defence capabilities.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out the test from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. During the trial, the missile successfully intercepted an electronic target simulating a high speed, high altitude aerial threat, meeting all mission objectives.
The Kusha missile system has been developed to counter a wide range of airborne threats, including fighter aircraft, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, stealth platforms and large enemy aircraft across different ranges and altitudes. It forms a key part of India’s efforts to build an advanced, indigenous air defence network.
According to the Defence Ministry, the missile, radar systems and command and control centre have all been developed within the country by various DRDO laboratories in collaboration with industry partners, highlighting India’s growing self reliance in defence technology.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO scientists and engineers on the successful test, describing it as a significant achievement for India’s defence research programme. He noted that only a few countries possess the capability to develop long range surface to air missile systems and said the Kusha programme would substantially reduce India’s dependence on imported air defence platforms while marking a major leap in national security capabilities.
Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh monitored the launch and praised the teams involved in the successful mission.
Project Kusha is being developed with multiple interceptor variants capable of engaging targets at ranges of 150 kilometres, 250 kilometres and 400 kilometres. Once operational later this decade, the system is expected to provide India with a comprehensive shield against advanced aerial threats, including drones, cruise missiles, stealth aircraft and hypersonic weapons, significantly enhancing the country’s multi layered air defence architecture.
