DRDO successfully tests indigenous ‘Kusha’ long-range air defence missile
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New Delhi, July 24: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Thursday successfully carried out the maiden flight test of the indigenous 'Kusha' long-range surface-to-air missile from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast, marking a major step in strengthening India's air defence capabilities.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the missile successfully intercepted a high-speed, high-altitude electronic target simulating an aerial threat. The trial also validated the complete weapon system, including the missile, radar, and command-and-control network, all of which have been developed by DRDO and Indian defence industry partners.
The Kusha system is designed to detect and destroy a wide range of aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, missiles, drones, and airborne early warning aircraft over long distances.
The project, earlier known as the Extended Range Air Defence System (XRSAM), was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security in 2022 with an estimated cost of ₹21,700 crore. The Indian Air Force will be the first to induct the system, while a naval version is expected later.
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Kusha will have three interceptor variants with different operational ranges 150 km (M1), 250 km (M2), and up to 400 km (M3). The latest test marks the beginning of a series of developmental and user trials before the system enters service. Initial induction is expected around 2028, with all three variants likely to be deployed by 2030.
The missile system is expected to reduce India's dependence on imported long-range air defence systems such as the Russian-made S-400. It will also become a key part of Mission Sudarshan Chakra, the government's plan to build an AI-enabled, multi-layered air and missile defence network by 2035.