India tests ‘Kusha’ long-range surface-to-air missile, boosting indigenous air defence capability
New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Thursday successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the indigenous ‘Kusha’ Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, marking a significant milestone in India’s air defence programme.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the missile successfully intercepted an electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude aerial threat during its first flight test, demonstrating the effectiveness of the weapon system.
The Kusha missile system has been designed to engage a wide range of aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and large enemy aircraft across an extended range and altitude envelope. The system, including its missiles, radars and command-and-control network, has been developed by various DRDO laboratories in collaboration with Indian industry partners.
Congratulating the scientists and engineers involved in the programme, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the successful test as a major achievement for India’s defence research and development ecosystem. He said the indigenous long-range air defence system places India among a select group of nations capable of developing such advanced missile technology and would significantly reduce dependence on imports while strengthening the country’s air defence capabilities.
Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh, who monitored the trial, also congratulated the DRDO teams and industry partners for the successful maiden flight test.
The successful trial marks an important step towards the development and induction of an indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile system for the Indian armed forces.
