India has taken a major step forward in strengthening its indigenous air-defence capabilities, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully conducting the maiden flight test of the ‘Kusha’ Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile.
The test was conducted on July 23 from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. The missile successfully intercepted an electronic target simulating a high-speed and high-altitude aerial threat.
The Kusha missile system is designed to neutralise a wide range of aerial threats, including fighter jets, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and large enemy aircraft across a wide range and altitude envelope.
The missile, radars, command and control centre and other weapon-system elements have been developed by DRDO laboratories and industry partners.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the successful test as a major milestone in India’s defence research and development capabilities. He said the system could help eliminate import dependence in this category and marks a significant advancement in India’s air-defence capabilities.
The successful test marks an important step in India’s efforts to build advanced, indigenous long-range air-defence systems and strengthen the country’s self-reliance in defence technology.
