In a significant milestone for India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Thursday successfully carried out the maiden flight-test of the ‘Kusha’ Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
The maiden trial, conducted on July 23, 2026, validated the missile system’s ability to engage and destroy advanced aerial threats. During the test, the missile intercepted an electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude aerial threat, successfully meeting all mission objectives.
According to DRDO, the successful interception demonstrates the operational capability of the indigenous long-range air defence system and marks a major advancement in India’s efforts to develop state-of-the-art missile technologies under the country’s self-reliance initiative.
The ‘Kusha’ missile system has been designed to neutralise a wide spectrum of aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and large enemy airborne platforms over a wide range and altitude envelope. The system is expected to significantly strengthen India’s layered air defence architecture by providing long-range protection against sophisticated airborne threats.
All critical components of the weapon system—including the interceptor missiles, advanced radars, command-and-control centres, and associated support systems—have been developed indigenously by various DRDO laboratories in collaboration with Indian industry partners. The successful test underscores the growing maturity of India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem and its capability to design and produce complex strategic weapon systems.
Congratulating the scientists and engineers involved in the programme, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh described the successful maiden flight-test as a landmark achievement for India’s defence research and development sector.
He said the development of the ‘Kusha’ Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile System places India among a select group of nations possessing the technological capability to design and manufacture advanced long-range air defence systems. The Defence Minister added that the indigenous system would substantially reduce the country’s dependence on imported air defence platforms while providing a major boost to national security and operational preparedness.
Defence Secretary, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D, and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh, who monitored the launch activities, congratulated the scientists, engineers, industry partners and all personnel associated with the successful maiden flight-test. He lauded the coordinated efforts of the DRDO laboratories and the defence industry in achieving this important technological breakthrough.
The successful trial is expected to pave the way for further developmental and user trials before the system is inducted into the Indian Armed Forces. Once operational, the ‘Kusha’ missile system is anticipated to become a key component of India’s integrated air defence network, enhancing the country’s ability to counter emerging aerial threats and safeguard strategic assets.
The maiden success also reinforces India’s commitment to strengthening indigenous defence technologies under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, further establishing the country as an emerging global leader in advanced missile and air defence systems.
